Burgess Pigment Co. and Thiele Kaolin Company announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Burgess Pigment will acquire Thiele. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Thiele, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Sandersville, Georgia, supplies kaolin clay and silica products to industries including coatings, paper, packaging and construction. The company operates multiple mining and processing facilities across the United States and Europe.

The companies said the combination will bring together complementary product portfolios and technical capabilities, expanding offerings in kaolin pigments and functional mineral products. The combined business is expected to enhance supply reliability and support evolving performance and sustainability requirements in coatings and other applications.

Upon completion, Sandy Burgess will continue as chief executive officer and president of Burgess Pigment, while Eric Tillirson will continue as president of Thiele. Both companies will operate as wholly owned subsidiaries under a new holding company owned by Burgess Pigment’s existing shareholders.

The transaction is expected to close in 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

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