Generational Group Advises UK Abrasives, Inc. in its Sale to GNPGraystar

By: Generational Group via Business Wire

June 12, 2025 at 16:47 PM EDT

Generational Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of UK Abrasives, Inc. to GNPGraystar, a subsidiary of SurfacePrep. The acquisition closed May 9, 2025.

Based in Northbrook, Illinois, UK Abrasives, Inc. is an advanced materials engineering company specializing in the manufacture and global distribution of electro-furnace-produced Boron Carbide (B4C) powders, Synthetic Diamond powders, Boron Nitride products, and other high-performance super-abrasive and abrasive materials. Founded in 1993 by longtime colleagues Vladimir Kompan, Vitaly Slobodsky, and Mark Gorelik, the company’s primary product, B4C, is widely used in advanced manufacturing applications, including ballistic armor, nuclear radiation shielding, hard disk drives, and various other advanced ceramic-grade technologies.

Headquartered in Byron Center, Michigan, SurfacePrep, and its subsidiary GNPGraystar, represent the largest national network of regional distributors focused on high-quality abrasive products, specialty ceramics, and surface finishing solutions. With a strong reputation for technical expertise and customer service, SurfacePrep supports a wide range of industries through its comprehensive product offering and nationwide footprint.

Michael Goss, Executive Managing Director, M&A, Central Region, led the deal to a successful closing, with the support of Vice President, M&A, Brennon Dunbar.

“I am extremely honored to have been able to forge such a dynamic and trusting relationship with Mark, Vladimir, and Vitaly, which traversed multiple micro- and macro-economic events, always unforeseen and seemingly complicating the exit strategy and timing for the Sellers,” said Michael Goss. “UK Abrasives is such an internationally integrated supply chain and customer channel contributor, that it took an equally robust and seasoned team at SurfacePrep to understand, measure, and appreciate the various value-add nuances and intricate operational efficiencies inherent in UK Abrasives.”

“This deal reflects our core values of diligence and long-term commitment to our clients,” said Ryan Binkley, CEO of Generational Group. “It’s great to see hard work pay off and to help clients achieve a successful outcome that truly honors their legacy.”

About Generational Group

Generational Group, headquartered in Dallas, is a leading, award winning, full-service M&A advisory firm. With over 300 professionals across 16 offices in North America, the company helps business owners unlock the full value of their businesses through a comprehensive suite of advisory services. These services include strategic growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A advisory, digital solutions, and wealth management.

Generational Group was honored as the 2024 USA Investment Banking Firm of the Year by the Global M&A Network and named Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor in both 2024 and 2022. The firm also received recognition as Valuation Firm of the Year and Consulting Firm of the Year in 2022 and 2023, further cementing its reputation as a leader in M&A advisory services.