PPG Architectural Finishes announced an agreement in principle to acquire the retail-paint business of New Dean & Barry.

PITTSBURGH — PPG Architectural Finishes, a subsidiary of PPG Industries Inc., announced an agreement in principle to acquire the retail-paint business of New Dean & Barry Ltd., a Columbus, OH-based operator of paint stores mostly located in Ohio. Financial details of the transaction, which was expected to be completed in October, were not disclosed.

PPG said the stores would continue to sell Dean & Barry and Pittsburgh Paints architectural and industrial coatings products, in addition to related sundries and other decorative products.

Richard A. Beuke, president of PPG Architectural Finishes, said the acquisition reflects PPG’s strategy of expanding its architectural-coatings business with the addition of established regional brands. The purchase of Dean & Barry’s operations will increase PPG’s distribution network to more than 2,500 independent dealers and approximately 240 company stores, Beuke said. PPG’s other regional brands include Porter and Monarch, both of which were acquired in the last several years.