South Korean refinery-to-retailer GS Group is reported to be considering acquisition of U.S. metalworking fluid maker Houghton International through its GS Energy affiliate, the Korea Economic Daily reported on Thursday.  So are you buying American when the product is made in America but the profits go to a foreign entity owner?  The political comedy "The Campaign" with Will Ferrell explores this issue.  No word as to whether the city of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania is part of the deal.  Click the picture of Cam Brady for an update from Houghton's website.

This news is bigger than a badminton scandal.  Houghton was founded in 1865, and besides being one of the oldest companies in the US, it may also be the largest manufacturer of metalworking fluids in the world.  They are also the winner of the inaugural Death Match for metalworking fluids - knocking off a powerful Castrol product.  Houghton is owned by private equity owner AEA Investors LP, who put the for sale sign up early this year.  It's like a "flip that company" reality show.  The sale could reportedly bring in more than $1 billion.  Now that's curb appeal.

(Original news article posted by Reuters Aug.9)