DOMZALE, Slovenia – The Slovenian news organization MMC RTV SLO is reporting that Japanese coatings manufacturer Kansai Paint has made a deal to purchase Slovenia-based Helios. Helios’ current owners, Ring International Holding, Franklin Templeton and GSO, made a deal with the Japanese paint manufacturer to buy a 100% stake in the company.

According to the news report, the sale should be completed in two to three months, subject to regulatory approvals. Kansai plans to make Helios a center of the company’s European operations.

"I’m happy and proud to have a new strategic owner, the Kansai Paint company, which is one of the 10 best companies in the coatings industry. Kansai Paint will present a new development platform for Helios. Helios will come a European center for R&D, innovation and business development. That means that in the future we will continue to introduce new products. Apart from that, we will also be able to enter new markets, like the Asian and African markets, where Kansai Paint has a strong presence," said David Kubala, one of the two CEOs of the Helios Group.