Costa Kapothanasis Acquires Lubri-Loy, Plans Automotive Expansion
Existing industrial products and distributor relationships will remain in place as the new owner prepares to bring automotive lubricants back to the company’s lineup.
The Lubri-Loy Company has a new owner and plans to expand its automotive business while maintaining the industrial product line and distributor relationships that support its current operations.
Constantine “Costa” Kapothanasis, president and CEO of quick-lube operator Costa Oils Inc., announced on October 12 that he acquired 100% of the St. Louis-based lubricant company from longtime owner David Graham. The purchase was made through a private holding company. Financial terms were not disclosed, and Costa Oils Inc. is not a party to the transaction, according to the announcement.
For Lubri-Loy’s distributors and industrial customers, the company says the ownership change will not alter existing products, part numbers or ordering channels. Lubri-Loy will retain its name and remain headquartered in St. Louis. Its portfolio includes industrial oils, greases, food-grade lubricants and maintenance chemicals.
The principal expansion outlined by the new owner is a return to automotive products. Lubri-Loy plans to begin that effort through the more than 60 quick-lube locations operated by Costa Oils, giving the brand an initial outlet for its automotive offering. The announcement did not specify a launch date or explain how those products would be made available beyond the Costa Oils network.
The company is also updating its branding and sales-support resources. A rebuilt website includes a product catalog, specification sheets, a distributor locator and direct ordering. A new platform called Lubri-U is intended to provide the company’s team with product training, courses, certifications and access to technical documents.
Founded in 1949, Lubri-Loy began with an automotive oil additive before broadening its business into industrial lubrication. Under Graham, who led the company for more than two decades, it expanded its industrial portfolio and developed an export business in Asia. The planned automotive expansion would build on the brand’s original market without replacing its existing industrial business.
For lubricant marketers, the development brings together an established industrial supplier and an owner with an existing quick-lube network. How the automotive product rollout and new direct-ordering capabilities will work alongside the distributor channel remains a point to watch. For now, Lubri-Loy’s stated commitment is to preserve those relationships while pursuing additional business.
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