The Sherwin-Williams Company, founded in 1866 and incorporated in Ohio in 1884,
is engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale of coatings and related products
to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers primarily in North
and South America.
''Paint Stores Segment: Sherwin-Williams', ProMar', SuperPaint', A-100', PrepRite',
Classic 99', Duration', Master Hide', Sher-Wood' and Powdura'.
''Consumer Segment: Thompson's', Dutch Boy', Martin Senour', Cuprinol', Pratt
& Lambert', H&C', Rubberset', Dupli-Color', Minwax', White Lightning',
Krylon', Formby's' and Red Devil'.
''Automotive Finishes Segment: Sherwin-Williams', Martin Senour', WesternTM,
Lazzuril', Excelo', Baco' and ScottWarren'.
''International Coatings Segment: Sherwin-Williams', Dutch Boy', Krylon', Kem-Tone',
Pratt & Lambert', Minwax', Ronseal', Colorgin', Globo', Pulverlack', Sumare',
Andina', Marson' and Martin Senour'.
Competition
We experience competition from many local, regional, national and international
competitors of various sizes in the manufacture, distribution and sale of our
paints, coatings and related products. We are a leading manufacturer and retailer
of paints, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial
and retail customers, however, our competitive position varies for our different
products and markets.
In the Paint Stores Segment, competitors include other paint and wallpaper
stores, mass merchandisers, home centers, independent hardware stores, hardware
chains and manufacturer-operated direct outlets. Product quality, service and
price determine the competitive advantage for this Segment.
In the Consumer and International Coatings Segments, domestic and foreign competitors
include manufacturers and distributors of branded and private labeled paints
and coatings products. Technology, product quality, product innovation, breadth
of product line, technical expertise, distribution, service and price are the
key competitive factors for these Segments.
The Automotive Finishes Segment has numerous competitors in its domestic and
foreign markets with broad product offerings and several others with niche products.
Key competitive factors for this Segment include technology, product quality,
distribution, service and price.
The Administrative Segment has many competitors consisting of other real estate
owners, developers and managers in areas in which this Segment owns property.
The main competitive factors are the availability of property and price.