Grace Matthews advises companies, entrepreneurs, and private equity groups on business sales, acquisitions, recapitalizations, and management buyouts.

Thomas Osborne Joins Grace Matthews, Inc.

Former CEO of ICI Paintes North America, Joins Grace Matthews, Inc.'s Specialty Chemicals Team

MILWAUKEE (May 30, 2008) --Thomas C. Osborne has joined the Specialty Chemicals Investment Banking Practice at Grace Matthews, Inc., it was announced today by John Beagle, Managing Director of the Milwaukee-based firm.


Osborne, former CEO of ICI Paints North America, has more than 35 years of senior management experience in the chemicals industry. Prior to his CEO role, Tom was Vice President, Planning and Acquisitions for ICI plc, based in London. He has also served as CEO of the Tnemec Company, a leading protective coatings company, and was Chairman of the Board of the National Paint and Coatings Association, where he also received the Association's highest honor, the George Baugh Heckel award.


Osborne holds a B.S. from Youngstown State University, and completed the AMP program at Harvard Graduate School of Business.


"Tom's track record as a strategic thinker in the coatings industry, paired with his practical, common-sense approach to business, is a powerful combination," said Beagle, who leads Grace Matthews' chemicals group. "Grace Matthews' clients will benefit from Tom's in-depth knowledge of the industry, where his strong ties with chemical suppliers, coatings manufacturers, OEM's and big box retailers are second to none."


"I am excited about joining Grace Matthews and working with their chemicals team," said Osborne. "I want to be part of an organization that understands the unique dynamics of the coatings and chemicals industry, has the financial and technical depth to serve sophisticated clients on complex transactions, yet maintains an informal, entrepreneurial spirit. Grace Matthews fits on all three counts," he added.


Grace Mattews, Inc. is a Milwaukee-based investment banking firm well known for its expertise in advising corporate clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestments, business sales, financings and leveraged transactions in the chemicals, materials, and related industries. For more information, contact John Beagle, Managing Director and Chemical Practice Lead, or Ben Scharff, Director at 414-278-1120, or visit www.gracematthews.com.


CONTACT:
John Beagle, Managing Director
jbeagle@gracematthews.com
(414) 278-1120