Ding ding ding... Let's speculate for a moment....HCTI becomes a subsidiary under I.F... (For those unfamiliar with the subsidiary concept, look it up.)
Makes sense, right? HCTI revolutionary product would now have access to everything it dreamed of... I.F.'s established and trusted F500 relationships, I.F.'s distribution and manufacturing networks, and more importantly, the backing of a private company with proper financing (because in fact, I.F. would own a significant portion of HCTI). HCTI surely knows it cannot do this alone, and I.F. knows this is a very special product that will bring significant income. It's a win-win for both companies.
And think about this? Do you think I.F. is intensely marketing HCTI's product, building a new web site, providing a booth at a major coatings show, talking to the EPA, out of the goodness of their heart purely as a distributor? Because it sure seems more like they are marketing and working on "their own" product. And the hiring of Pat to "explore new coatings technologies" for I.F.'s customers? Sounds like a good manager for the new HCTI subsidiary. And hey, if I.F. ever wanted to go public, they have a nice convenient shell waiting for them.
Disclaimer: This is all purely speculative and just an idea, but a very good idea that hopefully both companies explored, or are exploring, or are executing.
