PITTSBURGH - PPG Industries Inc. has acquired Monarch Paint Co., an architectural-coatings producer based in Houston. The company manufactures coatings, lacquer and drywall products distributed through more than 50 retail stores in Texas and neighboring states.

Maurice V. Peconi, PPG vice president of Architectural Finishes, said the acquisition expands the company's regional-paints business "with a strong brand that we will retain in Monarch's marketing area." The acquisition also includes two modern production facilities that will serve markets in the Southwest. Peconi said the acquisition reflects PPG's strategy of expanding its architectural-coatings business with the addition of established regional brands. The company last year acquired Porter Paints, which operates approximately 180 retail stores located mainly in the southeastern United States.

Monarch operates production facilities in Houston and Waller, TX, northwest of Houston. The company employs about 500 people and had 1999 sales of nearly $90 million.