Aronberg Goldgehn Represents EMCO Chemical Distributors in Sale to Lindsay Goldberg

11.26.25

Aronberg Goldgehn represented EMCO Chemical Distributors, one of North America’s largest independent chemical distributors, in its sale to Lindsay Goldberg, a leading upper-middle market private equity firm.

Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, EMCO distributes, blends and packages more than 300 million pounds of chemicals annually for more than 4,000 customers across a variety of industries.

This transaction represents an exciting next chapter for EMCO, noted firm Member Bernie Schlifke, who, along with Member David Johnson, co-led the transaction.

“Having been a trusted advisor to EMCO and the Polen family since 1980, our role in its sale to Lindsay Goldberg was to help guide the company and its founder, Edward Polen, through a complex process while preserving the legacy that has made EMCO a leader in its industry for more than five decades," Schlifke said.

"It has been a privilege to work with EMCO and the Polen family over the past 45 years as EMCO transitioned from a start-up local distributor and packager of industrial chemicals with a single location to being a leader in its field with eight distribution locations and hundreds of employees," Schlifke continued. "This transaction represents tangible evidence of the great historical leadership of EMCO by the Polen family and positions EMCO for continued growth under its new ownership."

In addition to Schlifke and Johnson, the Aronberg Goldgehn team advising EMCO on the transaction included Members Doug Murray, Sharon Zaban, Dan Cotter and Chip De Preter, and Associate Eric Slutsky.

Aronberg Goldgehn’s corporate and mergers and acquisitions team provides strategic, business-focused counsel to companies navigating significant transactions. The team advises on acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings and other complex corporate matters, offering practical guidance on deal structure, negotiation and risk management. They work closely with business owners, executives and management teams to protect long-term value, support informed decision-making and drive successful outcomes.

Learn more about how the firm supports clients throughout the full lifecycle of corporate and transactional needs.