--- title: "Marco Group International and APE Companies Join Forces" description: "DEER PARK and PASADENA, TX, Marco Group International and APE Companies jointly announce today the merger of both companies creating a top North American..." url: https://capstreet.multisites.ai/news/marco-group-international-and-ape-companies-join-forces publisher: Capstreet phone: +1-713-332-2700 contact: https://capstreet.multisites.ai/contact --- # Marco Group International and APE Companies Join Forces AutomotivePublished March 3, 20203 min read ![Capstreet team members at Houston Reads Day](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/_astro/houston-reads-day.DxNd9bIr_Z23gxjt.webp) **DEER PARK and PASADENA, TX** – Marco Group International and APE Companies jointly announce today the merger of both companies creating a top North American distributor of surface preparation, abrasives and safety products with 24 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. The merger of Marco Group International and APE Companies is a major step forward for both companies and will allow the combined company to better service its customers with more locations and an extended product offering. John Kaul, CEO of Marco Group, will lead the combined company from its Pasadena, TX headquarters as CEO. Michael Miller, the CEO of APE Companies, will transition to an advisory role and will also be on the Board of Directors of the new company. For the near future, the companies will continue to operate as Marco Group International and APE Companies. Further details on the transaction are not being released. “I’m really excited about this merger which allows us to offer a broader range of products, services and solutions to meet our consumers’ surface preparation, coating application and safety needs,” John noted. “By bringing together both companies’ complementary strengths and assets, we aim to provide best-in class customer service and become the employer of choice.” Mike Miller added, “With the expanded North American footprint, customers will now have local access to our portfolio of products, services and rental equipment, which is something I’m frequently asked to provide by customers. Additionally, suppliers will now be able to access a larger base of customers, increase their brand exposure and grow into new service areas.” Founded in 1944, Marco is a manufacturer and distributor of surface preparation equipment and consumables to industrial contractors in the industrial, infrastructure and downstream energy sectors throughout the United States and internationally. Marco serves industrial contractors by offering a comprehensive line of abrasives, blasting equipment, coating equipment, rental equipment and safety products. Marco was acquired by The Capstreet Group in 2017. For over twenty years, APE has been a leader in providing abrasive products, including garnet and equipment, to fill the surface preparation needs of its customers. During its history, APE has opened new locations and, through acquisitions, further expanded its branch network and offering to include safety products, industrial supplies, environmental remediation and disaster response. APE also maintains and rents a large fleet of surface preparation equipment. APE was acquired by Ridgemont Equity Partners in September 2014. If you would like more information about this topic, please call Jama Clark at 563-324-2519 X296 or Colby Black at 346-320-2431. Alternatively, emails may be sent to [merger@marco.us](mailto:merger@marco.us) and/or [merger@apecompanies.com](mailto:merger@apecompanies.com). ## About The Capstreet Group The Capstreet Group is a Houston, Texas based private equity firm that invests in owner-managed, lower middle market companies. Capstreet targets companies operating in the value-added distribution, industrial services and manufacturing, and business to business service sectors. Capstreet’s approach is to partner with excellent management teams to build out corporate infrastructure, accelerate growth and profitability, and create long term sustainable businesses. For more information, visit The Capstreet Group website, [www.capstreet.com](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/). ## Terms on this page - [Lower Middle Market](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/glossary/lower-middle-market) - [Private Equity](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/glossary/private-equity) ## Keep reading - [Automotive technology private equity for dealer-focused companiesCapstreet invests in automotive technology businesses that help dealerships. The firm targets solutions for sales, marketing, finance and insurance, and service lane operations. 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We invest across 12 industries.](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/deal-criteria) - [The due diligence checklist for owners selling to private equityDue diligence is the buyer's check of your business after you sign a letter of intent. Private equity firms review five areas: financial (quality of earnings), operations, tax, HR and benefits, and legal. Owners who gather clean records before the process starts shorten it and face fewer surprises.](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/guides/due-diligence-checklist-for-owners) ## Ready to get started? Let’s talk. Tell us about your company and what you want next. Conversations are private, and there is no obligation. [Start a conversation](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/contact) [(713) 332-2700](tel:+1-713-332-2700)[connect@capstreet.com](mailto:connect@capstreet.com) ![Capstreet team members at a Houston elementary school for Houston Reads Day](https://capstreet.multisites.ai/_astro/houston-reads-day.DxNd9bIr_tggWP.webp)