Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately-held, middle-market businesses, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the water treatment, car top dust control, and freeze conditioning specialty chemical and service businesses of its client, AKJ Industries, headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, by Nalco Holding Company, headquartered in Naperville, Illinois. The acquisition closed on July 15, 2014.

AKJ Industries manufactures a series of chemical products principally used to reduce dust emissions associated with the rail transport of coal from various mine sites to end-users. Founded in 1981, AKJ serves customers and clients from their three divisions: Steel Processing, Refinery Processing, and Specialty Chemicals. Managing Director Don Sawyer and his team, including affiliate Mike LoConte and Vice President Mark Breheny, led the Generational Equity deal team that advised AKJ Industries on the transaction.

Nalco Holding Co. is an Ecolab company, a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources. The acquisition of AKJ by Nalco Holding Co. will enable the former competitors to enhance the coal transport industry. "The acquisition provides a good complement to our current coal industry offerings and service footprint," said Timothy P. Mulhere, executive vice president and president of Nalco's Global Water and Process Services.