Star Step Acquired DAAS to Expand Global Footprint
The coating group has added Italian operations to gain specialized wood-finish capacity across Europe and Asia.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Business Strategy
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Star Step Performance Coatings Group completed its acquisition of DAAS & Chemicals on October 12, 2026. The deal establishes a new manufacturing presence for the Hinsdale-based company in Europe and Asia while expanding its reach into more than 60 countries.
Why it matters
The acquisition allows Star Step to secure leadership in specialized wood coatings and R&D capabilities. By integrating DAAS, the company gains immediate international production scale and access to established supply chains across three continents.
The combined entity generates approximately $80 million in annual revenue and maintains a workforce of 250 employees. DAAS serves customers in more than 60 countries across its operations in Italy, the Philippines, and the United States.
The players
Star Step Performance Coatings Group
An Illinois-based industrial coatings firm focused on expanding its international manufacturing and R&D capabilities.
DAAS & Chemicals
A manufacturer of specialized wood coatings based in Pordenone, Italy, with production sites in Italy, the Philippines, and the United States.
Carlo Della Toffola
The General Manager of DAAS who continues in his leadership role following the acquisition.
Stefano Antoniazzi
The Strategic Advisor for DAAS who remains with the firm to support post-acquisition integration.
The details
Star Step integrated DAAS into its existing portfolio of operating companies to consolidate technical and commercial resources. To maintain continuity, DAAS management will remain in place, with Carlo Della Toffola continuing as General Manager and Stefano Antoniazzi serving as Strategic Advisor. This structure is intended to preserve existing employee relationships and operational workflows during the transition.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: The acquisition transaction officially closed.
October 13, 2026: The companies announced the completed transaction.
Market Landscape
This acquisition follows the broader industry pattern of specialized manufacturers pursuing international buy-and-build strategies to capture niche R&D and geographic market share. It signals a move toward consolidation among mid-market firms seeking to diversify their production sites.
Operators in the coatings sector should monitor how Star Step leverages these new European and Asian manufacturing sites to adjust regional pricing or lead times. The firm has signaled intentions for further acquisitions in the Italian market, indicating a period of ongoing competitive shifts.
The takeaway
The deal illustrates the value of acquiring established R&D-heavy targets to achieve instant global scale. Owners looking to expand should evaluate whether target companies maintain local leadership to protect the operational continuity of existing employee and customer relationships.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest consolidation trends in Business Strategy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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