Boxwood Partners Advises H.M. Royal on Sale to Univar Solutions

Leading Investment Bank Advises Century-Old Family Business on Strategic Partnership with Global Specialty Distributor

JUPITER, Fla., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boxwood Partners, a boutique investment bank specializing in founder-led and private equity-backed businesses, today announced its role as the exclusive financial advisor to H.M. Royal, Inc. ("H.M. Royal" or the "Company"), a leading specialty distributor of rubber, plastics, adhesives, sealants and coatings additives, on its sale to Univar Solutions LLC ("Univar Solutions").

Founded in 1925, H.M. Royal has built a reputation for technical expertise, long-standing supplier relationships and responsive customer service across the rubber, plastics and specialty chemicals markets. The family-owned business operates 10 strategically located warehouses across the United States and serves customers across transportation, electronics, medical, construction, agriculture, mining and industrial markets.

The transaction brings together two established organizations with complementary capabilities and geographic reach. As part of Univar Solutions' Performance Materials business within its Ingredients + Specialties division, H.M. Royal will benefit from Univar Solutions' broader scale, logistics network and digital capabilities while continuing to provide customers with the technical expertise and market knowledge that have defined the Company for more than a century.

"H.M. Royal is a leading distributor of coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers additives to the rubber and plastics markets," said Madison Day, Director at Boxwood Partners. "Their technical depth and supplier relationships can't be replicated organically, which is exactly why this made sense as a strategic expansion of Univar Solutions' Performance Materials business, deepening its rubber and plastics platform and strengthening coverage on both coasts."

For H.M. Royal, the transaction represents an important milestone for the third-generation family-owned business and creates new opportunities for its employees, customers and supplier partners.

"Boxwood understood our business and ran a process that let us stay focused on customers and suppliers," said Joseph Royal, President of H.M. Royal. "Getting a transaction of this size across the finish line while running the day-to-day is hard and their expertise made it possible."

The transaction also underscores Boxwood's experience advising founder- and family-owned businesses in the specialty distribution and industrial services sectors, helping owners identify strategic partners capable of building on their companies' legacies while creating opportunities for continued growth.

"A century in business and three generations of family ownership is rare," said Day. "It was a privilege to advise the Royal family and help them find the right partner."

The Boxwood Partners deal team included Brian Alas (Managing Director), Madison Day (Director), John Atkinson (Vice President), Manny Dwyer (Associate), and Jerry Annunziata (Analyst).

Boxwood Partners acted as the exclusive financial advisor to H.M. Royal in connection with the transaction. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

To learn more about Boxwood Partners, please visit www.boxwoodpartners.com.

About Boxwood Partners

Boxwood Partners, LLC is a boutique investment bank based in Jupiter, Florida with offices in Richmond, Virginia and Charleston, South Carolina. Boxwood Partners combines a unique blend of senior-level transaction advisory, business operating experience, and proven process execution skills to give its clients a distinct advantage in the market. The firm's extensive relationships within the global capital and buyer communities (including U.S. and international private equity groups, corporations, and lenders) and other important transaction-related service providers such as consultants, attorneys, and accountants, ensure that the firm's clients receive the attention, service, and results they deserve. For more information about Boxwood Partners, please visit www.boxwoodpartners.com.

About Univar Solutions

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers. With one of the industry's largest private transportation fleets and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, the Company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. While fulfilling its purpose to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe, Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and focus on Growing Together. Learn more at univarsolutions.com.

About H.M. Royal, Inc.

H.M. Royal is a long-established distributor of specialty raw materials and chemicals, backed by decades of supplier relationships and 101 years of industry experience. The company offers over 1,000 chemical grades and supports customers with reliable supply, repackaging, and inventory management capabilities tailored to their needs. With 10 strategically located warehouses across the United States, H.M. Royal is positioned to provide timely delivery in quantities ranging from small bags to full truckloads. Its product portfolio serves a wide range of industries, including transportation, electronics, medical, construction, agriculture, mining, and industrial markets. As a family-owned business with third-generation leadership, H.M. Royal emphasizes personal service, dependable support, and cost-effective solutions for North American customers.

SOURCE Boxwood Partners LLC