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MATRIX SYSTEM AUTOMOTIVE FINISHES COMBINES WITH QUEST SPECIALTY CHEMICALS
For Immediate Release:
August 14, 2006

Contact:
Rosina Dusseau, Marketing
248-668-8135, ext. 2228
rmdusseau@matrixsystem.com
www.matrixsystem.com
Matrix Joins Raabe Company
in Quest’s Coatings Initiative
Walled Lake, MI – August 14, 2006 – Matrix System Automotive Finishes, Inc. has announced that it has combined with Quest Specialty Chemicals Inc. (“Quest”) and will continue under the name Matrix System Automotive Finishes, LLC (“Matrix”) with current operations in Michigan. Matrix’s new corporate structure will continue to support existing customer obligations, distribution system, customer base, and products. W. Kent Gardner will continue as President of Matrix, and will be supported by the existing management team, associates and facilities. Additionally, Mr. Gardner has been appointed to the board of directors for Quest.
Matrix compliments Quest’s mission to acquire and build specialty chemical companies that have developed unique solutions to the challenges of coatings application, surface protection, and the bonding of flexible and rigid substrates. Quest seeks enterprises whose core competencies and drive are based on differentiated and defensible product technology in combination with a market niche strategy focus.
Detroit-based Huron Capital Partners LLC provided the majority of the equity capital to complete the acquisition. In 2003, Huron formed a strategic market entry initiative with Quest executives Frederick Quinn, Quest’s founder, and Gerry Loftus and long-time chemical industry investor Carol Bramson. In 2004, Quest acquired Raabe Company, a leading manufacturer of branded custom matched touch-up paint and provider of private label aerosol paint filling services, followed by Foxcolor in July 2005. The combination of Raabe and Matrix System will allow Quest to cross-promote each manufacturer’s products.
Matrix System President Kent Gardner commented on the partnership, "I was attracted to the strategic and operating talent that Fred and Gerry will bring to Matrix. With Quest and Raabe, we will be able to expand our product lines to include aerosols and build our market offering. With the financial strength of Huron Capital and the firm's value-added operations-oriented approach, we will be able to grow our company organically and through acquisitions."
About Quest Specialty Chemicals
Quest is led by CEO Fred Quinn and COO Gerry Loftus, veterans in the specialty chemical industry who have successfully built, acquired and divested businesses in the specialty chemical industry. The mission of Quest is to acquire and build specialty chemical companies who are engaged in the formulation of coatings, adhesive and sealant products which are designed to provide surface protection to or the bonding of, flexible and rigid substrates. Quest seeks enterprises whose core competencies and drive are based on differentiated and defensible product technology in combination with a market niche strategy focus. For more information on Quest Specialty Chemicals, visit www.questsc.com.
About Matrix System
Matrix System Automotive Finishes, LLC is the largest manufacturer and distributor of automotive refinish paint products in the country, outside of the major national paint companies. Matrix paints, primers, clearcoats, hardeners and solvents are used in more than 5,000 body shops on more than 1,000,000 cars per year. Since 1983, the company’s facilities have expanded to over 85,000 square feet that include a modern production facility and a corporate headquarters and warehouse in Walled Lake, Michigan. For more information on Matrix System, call 1.800.735.0303 or visit www.matrixsystem.com.
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