Walter Acquires Fellow Abrasives Supplier Hermes’ North American Operations

Abrasives and metalworking products supplier Walter Surface Technologies announced Tuesday that it has acquired coated abrasives provider Hermes' operations in North America.

Walter officials said that the addition of Hermes’ expertise in coated abrasives would bolster its position in “key market segments,” including belted products used in finishing, automation and robotic applications.

Hermes Schleifmittel GmbHHermes facility, Virginia Beach, Va.Montreal-based Walter also said that the move would ensure “business continuity and long-term stability” for Hermes’ North American customers. Hermes, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, announced earlier this year that it had entered “insolvency proceedings” and would undergo restructuring amid “ongoing economic challenges facing the abrasives industry.”

Hermes’ North American segment will continue to operate from its current headquarters; its European division will remain an independent company.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“This acquisition is not only about expanding our coated abrasives offering today — it’s a long-term investment in growth and innovation as customers automate their processes,” Walter CEO Marc-André Aubé said in a statement. “Our long-term vision is to keep driving innovation, sustainability, and value creation so our customers can continue to work better, faster and more efficiently for decades to come.”

“Joining Walter represents a new chapter of strength and stability for Hermes North America,” added Tony Sarles, the Hermes segment’s general manager. “With Walter’s support, we will continue to serve our customers and partners with the same dedication and technical expertise they have come to expect — now backed by a stronger foundation for the future.”