Shelf space for high-mileage motor oils became more crowded this month with the launch of four more entrants into the category. With the arrival of the newest brands, nearly every major U.S. motor oil supplier now has a product marketed for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles. The category has solidified its position as part of the motor oil market – not only because of the growth it has achieved in just four years, but also because of enormous potential perceived by suppliers. Of course,...

Jiffy Lube International and Chinese carmaker Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. announced a joint venture Oct. 29 aimed at building a chain of quick-lube centers across China. The companies vowed to develop a successful model for providing maintenance services to the worlds fastest-growing automobile market. We believe there will be strong and growing demand for this kind of convenient service in China with the rapid rise in the number of motorists, said David Pirret, chief executive officer o...

A private equity group said last week that it has purchased chemicals and process service provider Ondeo Nalco from Paris-based Suez S.A. for $4.2 billion. The business has been renamed Nalco Co., and officials said the new owners will operate it as a privately held, independent company with an eye toward conducting a private stock offering. Nalco, which is based in Naperville, Ill., supplies metalworking fluids and other industrial lubricants, as well as chemicals, services and equipment relate...