Grace Acquires International Protective Coatings to Expand Fire Protection Systems

W. R. Grace & Co., a global supplier of catalysts and silica products, will broaden its fire protection products line with the recent acquisition of International Protective Coatings Corp. (IPC).

Grace's existing fireproofing products are primarily designed to protect the integrity of structures during a fire. IPC, manufacturing firestop products and systems designed to compartmentalize and contain fire and smoke, will be integrated into Grace's Performance Chemicals business unit based in Cambridge, MA.

"The acquisition of IPC broadens our offering of fire protection solutions to our customers and provides Grace with an excellent opportunity to capture additional growth in fire protection products," said Paul J. Norris, Grace Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "IPC is the third 'bolt-on' acquisition that Grace has made in the last three months, which together represent an important part of the growth strategy that we initiated last year."