ACME UNITED Business Summary

Acme United Corporation (ACU) is a global supplier of safety, medical, and cutting solutions, generating revenue primarily through the direct sale of branded physical goods to retail, industrial, and medical markets. The company’s business is anchored by two primary segments: First Aid and Medical, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of total revenue, and Cutting and Sharpening. The First Aid segment, bolstered by the January 2026 acquisition of My Medic and the 2024 purchase of Elite First Aid, leverages a high-margin recurring revenue model through kit refills and medical consumables under brands like First Aid Only and PhysiciansCare. The Cutting segment features the Westcott brand, which maintains the leading market share for scissors in the United States. Acme United competes directly with Fiskars Brands, 3M (Nexcare), Johnson & Johnson (Kenvue), and Medline Industries, positioning itself as a specialized, high-efficiency alternative that bridges the gap between mass-market consumer stationery and professional-grade medical safety supplies. Originally founded in 1867 as a shear manufacturer, the modern iteration of the company is led by a long-tenured executive team credited with its strategic pivot toward the medical sector. Walter C. Johnsen has served as Chairman and CEO since 1995, bringing a background in medical supply distribution from his time at Marshall Products. He is supported by Brian S. Olschan, President and COO since 2007, and Paul G. Driscoll, who has served as VP and CFO since 2002 following finance roles at Ernest & Julio Gallo and Sanofi. The company’s board includes notable figures such as Paul J. Conway, a founder of Spark Capital, and Richmond Y. Holden, Jr. Institutional backing is significant, with major positions held by Capital Management Corp, Mink Brook Asset Management, and North Star Investment Management, reflecting a stable shareholder base focused on the company’s disciplined acquisition strategy and consistent dividend growth.