GSB Chemical to buy Hurst Australia

The unconfirmed deal, one of the industry’s worst kept secrets, is expected to be signed in Sydney next week. It positions GSB Chemical to become the leading independent player in the multi-million dollar sector. Hurst Australia is one of a few local manufacturers producing chemicals for the printing industry. Founded 25 years ago by well-known industry identities, Rex Chater and his wife Carol, the Sydney-based company has gained a significant share of the local market as well as being a long-term exporter of printing chemicals to Japan.

GSB Chemical, also a graphics industry focused manufacturer, is an Australian owned company with manufacturing facilities in Melbourne and Sydney. Under the control of managing director, Tennyson Byrnes, it has also branched out into Asia with a manufacturing plant in Singapore.

It produces a full range of graphics products including blanket and roller washes, isopropyl alcohol-free fountain solutions, leading technology web offset silicone emulsions and lithographic overprint varnishes. It claims to be the largest converter of silicone oil to silicone emulsions in the country.