Kewaunee Scientific to Acquire Nycom for $55 Million
The deal would make Kewaunee the owner of the largest U.S. lab dealer, with closing expected in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Public Companies
Statesville-based Kewaunee Scientific plans to acquire Nycom, the largest U.S. lab dealer headquartered in Midlothian, Virginia, for an initial base purchase price of $55 million. Kewaunee shares rose 5.2% to around $34.72 midday Monday.
Why it matters
The acquisition would bring Kewaunee's longtime distribution partner in-house, extending its reach across North America and giving the North Carolina company a larger platform for growth. Because the price is subject to adjustments tied to Nycom's Adjusted EBITDA and other financial measures, the final value could change before closing.
The $55 million base price includes $20 million in a subordinated promissory note and $5 million in Kewaunee common stock, with the balance in cash from existing funds and PNC Bank borrowings. The final figure may shift because it is tied to Nycom's Adjusted EBITDA and post-closing adjustments that have not yet been determined.
The players
Kewaunee Scientific
Kewaunee Scientific is a Statesville-based manufacturer of laboratory furniture and equipment with operations in the United States, India and other international markets.
Nycom
Nycom is a Midlothian, Virginia-based company that describes itself as the largest U.S. lab dealer, distributing laboratory products and services.
Jon Nystrom
Jon Nystrom is the founder and current chair of Nycom, and he will join Kewaunee's board of directors when the transaction closes.
The details
Kewaunee and Nycom have worked together since 2012, and the acquisition would fold Nycom into Kewaunee's operations. Jon Nystrom, founder and current chair of Nycom, will join Kewaunee's board at closing, and Jonathan Nystrom will join its corporate executive management team.
Timeline
Monday: Kewaunee shares rose 5.2% to around $34.72 following the announcement.
Fourth quarter of fiscal 2027: The transaction is expected to close.
Market Landscape
The deal converts a distribution relationship that began in 2012 into ownership, giving Kewaunee direct control over a dealer network that already sells its products. It positions the Statesville manufacturer to pursue further acquisitions across North America while competing in the laboratory furniture and equipment sector.
For North Carolina residents who own Kewaunee shares, the deal's financing mix of cash, debt and stock could affect the company's balance sheet and future share count. Customers of Nycom's lab products may see the dealer operate under Kewaunee's ownership once the transaction closes.
The takeaway
Kewaunee's move shows how a long-standing supplier relationship can become a path to growth through ownership, but the final price will depend on financial results yet to be reported. Readers tracking North Carolina public companies should watch for closing and post-deal adjustments in the coming fiscal year.
What happens next
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027, at which point Jon Nystrom will join Kewaunee's board and Jonathan Nystrom will join its executive management team.
Further reading
For more on how North Carolina's publicly traded companies are reshaping their operations, explore Public Companies.
