RPM International Inc., Medina, OH, has announced the acquisition of the Universal Sealants (U.K.) Ltd., a supplier of coatings and construction products and services for bridges and large infrastructure projects headquartered near Newcastle, England. Universal Sealants has sales of approximately $55 million and will operate as a stand-alone industrial business in the RPM Performance Coatings Group. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to be accretive to earnings within one year, were not disclosed.

Universal Sealants manufactures, supplies and installs waterproofing systems, protective coatings, expansion joints and concrete repair products. Its products are primarily used for the construction, maintenance and repair of bridges, parking structures, tunnels, railways, and other major structures. The company is a market leader in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and has a growing presence in the Middle East.

"The acquisition of the Universal Sealants group marks the continuation of RPM's tradition of purchasing high-quality, family-owned businesses that are leaders in their markets," said Frank C. Sullivan, RPM chairman and chief executive officer. "We are very excited that George Paxton, who founded Universal Sealants with his late brother, John, and (his) highly talented management team will remain with the organization."

For more information, visit www.rpminc.com.