CleanCore Expands Ozone Cleaning Empire with Key Acquisitions

Ticker: ZONE · Form: 10-K · Filed: Aug 22, 2025 · CIK: 1956741

Sentiment: mixed

Topics: Aqueous Ozone, Nanobubble Technology, Eco-Friendly Cleaning, Industrial Cleaning, Janitorial Services, Asset Acquisition, Chemical-Free Solutions

TL;DR

**ZONE is making aggressive moves in the eco-friendly cleaning space, but watch those earn-out payments and market adoption closely.**

AI Summary

CleanCore Solutions, Inc. (ZONE) specializes in patented nanobubble aqueous ozone cleaning technology for professional, industrial, and home use. The company reported an aggregate market value of Class B common stock held by non-affiliates of approximately $6.6 million as of December 31, 2024. On October 17, 2022, CleanCore acquired assets from CleanCore LLC, TetraClean Systems, LLC, and Food Safety Technology L.L.C. for $5,000,000, comprising $2,000,000 in cash and a $3,000,000 promissory note. Further expanding, on April 15, 2025, its subsidiary CleanCore Global acquired assets from Sanzonate Europe Ltd. for $2,475,000, consisting of $425,000 in cash, an $800,000 promissory note, and up to $1,250,000 in earn-out payments tied to Net Sales milestones, plus a warrant for 425,000 shares at $1.25 per share. The company is expanding its distributor network and proving product effectiveness in various sectors, including restaurants, airports, and hotels, while also offering 'GreenKlean' chlorinated sanitizing tablets.

Why It Matters

CleanCore's expansion into the aqueous ozone cleaning market, particularly with its patented nanobubble technology, positions it as a potential disruptor in the cleaning industry, offering chemical-free alternatives. This could appeal to investors seeking ESG-friendly companies and those looking for innovative solutions in commercial and industrial cleaning. For employees, growth through acquisitions like Sanzonate Europe Ltd. suggests job stability and potential expansion. Customers benefit from safer, more effective cleaning solutions, potentially reducing chemical exposure and improving hygiene standards in various environments, from hospitals to restaurants, while also intensifying competition for traditional cleaning product manufacturers.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: medium — The company's risk level is medium due to its reliance on patented technology and the significant earn-out payments of up to $1,250,000 tied to Net Sales milestones from the Sanzonate acquisition. Achieving these sales targets, which range from $2,000,000 to $12,000,000 over five years, introduces substantial operational and market adoption risk.

Analyst Insight

Investors should monitor CleanCore's ability to integrate its recent acquisitions and achieve the ambitious Net Sales targets for the Sanzonate earn-out payments. Focus on quarterly revenue growth and market penetration rates in the janitorial, industrial, and food safety sectors to gauge the success of its patented nanobubble technology.

Key Numbers

Key Players & Entities

FAQ

What is CleanCore Solutions, Inc.'s core business?

CleanCore Solutions, Inc. specializes in developing and producing cleaning products that generate pure aqueous ozone using patented nanobubble technology. These products are designed for professional, industrial, and home use, offering chemical-free cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing solutions.

What were the key acquisitions made by CleanCore Solutions, Inc.?

CleanCore Solutions, Inc. made two significant acquisitions: on October 17, 2022, it acquired assets from CleanCore LLC, TetraClean Systems, LLC, and Food Safety Technology L.L.C. for $5,000,000. On April 15, 2025, its subsidiary CleanCore Global acquired assets from Sanzonate Europe Ltd. for an aggregate purchase price of $2,475,000, including potential earn-out payments.

How does CleanCore's nanobubble technology work?

CleanCore's patented nanobubble technology infuses ozone into tap water, creating an aqueous ozone solution. These nanometer-sized bubbles remain suspended in water, attracting positively charged pollutants and releasing ozone to destroy pathogens and break down cell walls of mold, germs, and residues, providing thorough surface coverage.

What are the primary product offerings of CleanCore Solutions, Inc.?

CleanCore Solutions, Inc. offers products for janitorial and sanitation (Fill Stations, POWER CADDY), ice machine cleaning (Ice Treatment System), commercial and residential laundry, and industrial cleaning. They also sell 'GreenKlean' chlorinated sanitizing tablets.

What is the market value of CleanCore Solutions, Inc.'s Class B common stock held by non-affiliates?

As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate market value of CleanCore Solutions, Inc.'s Class B common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $6.6 million, based on the closing price reported on NYSE American LLC.

What are the potential earn-out payments related to the Sanzonate acquisition?

Sanzonate Europe Ltd. is entitled to receive up to $1,250,000 in Earn-Out Payments if Net Sales milestones are achieved over a five-year period. These milestones range from $2,000,000 to $12,000,000 in Net Sales.

Where does CleanCore Solutions, Inc. manufacture its products?

CleanCore Solutions, Inc. sources components and raw materials both domestically and overseas. These materials are then shipped to its facility in Omaha, Nebraska, where they are assembled under a strict quality control program.

What are the benefits of CleanCore's aqueous ozone solution compared to traditional cleaners?

CleanCore's aqueous ozone solution is a natural cleaner, sanitizer, and deodorizer that eliminates germs, viruses, bacteria, allergens, and molds without harsh chemicals. Research indicates it performs better than bleach and destroys pathogens like E. Coli and Salmonella, while also being safe to handle.

What is the risk associated with CleanCore Solutions, Inc.'s business model?

A significant risk for CleanCore Solutions, Inc. is its reliance on the successful adoption and market penetration of its patented nanobubble technology. The company also faces risks related to achieving the substantial Net Sales targets required for the earn-out payments from the Sanzonate acquisition, which could impact its financial performance.

How many shares of CleanCore Solutions, Inc. Class B common stock are outstanding?

As of August 21, 2025, there were a total of 11,175,846 shares of CleanCore Solutions, Inc.'s Class B common stock issued and outstanding.

Risk Factors

Industry Context

CleanCore Solutions operates in the cleaning and sanitization industry, a large and competitive market. Key trends include a growing demand for environmentally friendly and chemical-free cleaning solutions, driven by consumer and regulatory pressures. The company's patented nanobubble aqueous ozone technology positions it to capitalize on this shift, differentiating itself from traditional chemical-based products and other green alternatives.

Regulatory Implications

While aqueous ozone is promoted as a safe and eco-friendly alternative, the company must remain vigilant regarding evolving environmental and health regulations. Compliance with standards related to ozone generation, concentration, and disposal is crucial. The effectiveness claims, such as killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, may also be subject to scrutiny or require specific certifications.

What Investors Should Do

  1. Monitor Distributor Performance
  2. Analyze Acquisition Integration and Earn-Outs
  3. Assess Competitive Landscape and Market Penetration
  4. Scrutinize Financial Health Post-Acquisitions

Key Dates

Glossary

Nanobubble
Extremely small bubbles (one billionth of a meter) of gas within a liquid. Unlike larger microbubbles, they have no natural buoyancy and remain suspended, attracting positively charged pollutants. (Central to CleanCore's patented technology, enabling enhanced cleaning and sanitization by releasing ozone and breaking down contaminants.)
Aqueous Ozone
Ozone infused into water, creating a powerful cleaning and sanitizing solution that is safe to handle. It requires no additives and leaves no chemical residue. (The core product offering of CleanCore, leveraging ozone's properties in a safe and effective liquid form for various cleaning applications.)
Earn-out Payments
Additional payments made to a seller of a business, contingent upon the business achieving certain financial performance milestones (e.g., Net Sales) after the acquisition. (A component of the Sanzonate Europe acquisition ($1,250,000 maximum), indicating CleanCore's future revenue expectations and potential financial obligations tied to performance.)
Promissory Note
A written promise by one party (the maker or issuer) to pay a specified sum of money to another party (the payee), either on demand or at a specified future date. (Used in both the 2022 ($3,000,000) and 2025 ($800,000) asset acquisitions, representing a significant portion of the purchase price and a form of debt financing.)
Warrant
A security that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a company's stock at a specific price (exercise price) on or before a certain expiration date. (Issued in the Sanzonate Europe acquisition for 425,000 shares at $1.25 per share, providing an incentive and potential future equity dilution.)

Year-Over-Year Comparison

Information comparing key metrics to the previous year, such as revenue growth, margin changes, and new risks, is not available in the provided text excerpt. The filing details recent acquisitions and market value as of late 2024/early 2025, but lacks year-over-year comparative financial data.

Filing Stats: 4,594 words · 18 min read · ~15 pages · Grade level 12.8 · Accepted 2025-08-22 17:01:05

Key Financial Figures

Filing Documents

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 27 Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 32 Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 32 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 32 Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Controls and Procedures. 32 Item 9B. Other Information. 33 Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections. 33 PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 34 Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Executive Compensation. 34 Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. 34 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 34 Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services. 34 PART IV Item 15. Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules. 35 Item 16. Form 10-K Summary. 38 i INTRODUCTORY NOTES Use of Terms Except as otherwise indicated by the context and for the purposes of this report only, references in this report to "we," "us," "our" and "our company" refer to CleanCore Solutions, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiary CleanCore Global Limited, an Irish company, or CleanCore Global. Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us. All statements other than and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about: our goals and strategies; our future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in our revenue, costs or expenditures; growth of and competition trends in our industry; our expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, our products and services; our expectations regarding our relationships with investors, institutional funding partners and other parties we collaborate with; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in the market in which we op

BUSINESS

ITEM 1. BUSINESS. Overview We specialize in the development and production of cleaning products that produce pure aqueous ozone for professional, industrial, or home use. We have a patented nanobubble technology using aqueous ozone that we believe is highly effective in cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing surfaces and high-touch areas. Our mission is to become a leader in creating safe, clean spaces that are free from any chemical residue or skin irritants. We are currently expanding our distributor network, improving our production processes, and proving the effectiveness of our products in restaurants, airports, and hotels. As noted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA ("Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Ozone Disinfection," September 1999), ozone has been used in water treatment facilities to remove pathogens from water for decades. However, ozone was not safe for traditional cleaning because the gas alone can be harmful when inhaled. In recent years, ozone has been found to become a powerful cleaning solution if infused into tap water, which then creates a solution called aqueous ozone. Once the ozone is added into the water, the resulting solution is safe to handle, yet continues to hold the effective cleaning and oxidizing components of ozone. Our product offerings utilize a patented technology that we believe produces an enhanced aqueous ozone solution that requires no additives, filters, or advanced chemicals. We believe that we are the only company that has an aqueous ozone solution that is produced in the form of nanobubbles. In a critical review from Environmental Science Nano ("Disinfection applications of ozone micro- and nanobubbles," November 2, 2021) authors Petroula Seridou and Nicolas Kalogerakis explain that since its discovery in the 1990's, nanobubbles have been used to remove pollutants in many industries, including biopharma and food processing. Nanobubbles are nanometer-sized (one billionth of a meter) gaseous cavi

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