So, this week I have come to discover that the company I work for, MAB Paints (M.A. Bruder & Sons Inc) is yet another paint company to be purchased by the Sherwin-Williams Co., of Cleveland; the deal is expected to close in the second quarter of this year. This is a sad realization for me, for I have finally found a group of people that I happen to take pleasure in working with, and I do not look forward to that day when farewells must be said. Although, everything still has yet to approved by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), it is inevitable that the company is no more.

For those of you who did not know, MAB Paints has been a family owned/run business for an astonishing 108 years. It was started with just one single store in South Philadelphia, in 1899 and expanded into 132 stores nationwide and also holds 35-40% of the paint market in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas, as well as in Florida, St. Louis and Indianapolis. MAB has 730 employees, nationwide, with half of its workforce in the Philadelphia are. The company will be truly missed by its employees, as well as the many faithful patrons that have grown into extended family through the years.

It may take up to 30-60 days for the FTC to pass approval, in the mean time, researching if there is a chance for the business to become a monopoly; and there after, may take up to a year for the transition to go through. Until that happens I will not take for granted the wonderful environment that I have been fortunate enough to experience here, with the people that will be deeply missed by all!