June 19, 2025 –
RPM Expands Outdoor Coatings Portfolio with Strategic Ready Seal Acquisition
In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the premium wood coatings segment, RPM International has finalized its acquisition of specialty manufacturer Ready Seal. The deal positions RPM’s Rust-Oleum brand as a comprehensive solution provider in the North American outdoor wood care market, combining Ready Seal’s proprietary formulations with Rust-Oleum’s extensive retail distribution network.
The transaction comes as the $9.2 billion North American wood coatings market demonstrates remarkable resilience, with premium products driving nearly 40% of total growth. Ready Seal’s innovative weather-resistant formulations have gained particular traction among professional contractors and premium DIY segments, complementing Rust-Oleum’s existing mass-market offerings.
“This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy to dominate high-value specialty coatings,” stated RPM CEO Frank Sullivan during the announcement. “Ready Seal’s technical expertise in penetrating oil finishes creates immediate cross-selling opportunities across our 88,000 retail points.”
Market analysts highlight the timing as particularly strategic, with home improvement spending on outdoor living spaces projected to grow 6.3% annually through 2027. The move follows RPM’s successful track record of niche acquisitions, including its 2023 purchase of concrete repair specialist Euclid Chemical.
Financial performance suggests RPM is well-positioned for this expansion. Despite a 2.3% dip in consumer segment sales last quarter, the company reported record-breaking 7.34 billion revenue for FY2024, with net income surging 23% to 588.4 million. Investors responded positively to the news, pushing RPM shares up 0.65% to close at $108.78.
The acquisition holds potential implications for color masterbatch suppliers, as Rust-Oleum’s expanded product line may require new pigment formulations for wood-specific applications. Industry observers suggest this could spur innovation in weather-resistant colorants for exterior wood coatings across the supply chain.