Asteria’s 41st acquisition, Mercian Labels, expands UK food, pharma packaging reach

UK – Asteria Group has acquired Mercian Labels, a Burntwood-based self-adhesive label converter, as its 41st acquisition, adding specialist LabelLock security labelling capabilities and strengthening the group’s UK presence in food, beverage and pharmaceutical packaging markets.

The acquisition, announced on 21 June 2026, brings Mercian’s team of 66 staff and its advanced flexographic and digital printing capabilities into Asteria’s expanding European network. 

Mercian holds AA+ BRCGS Packaging Materials certification and ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, aligning with Asteria’s sustainability goals. 

The group aims to become a sustainable leader in the label and packaging industry by 2030. How LabelLock Security Labels and Digital Printing Strengthen Asteria’s Portfolio

Mercian’s specialist LabelLock tamper-evident security labels and tapes offer features including micro text, in-register void messages, unique sub-surface printed codes, and resistance to temperature and chemical attack. 

The company is the only tamper-evident product manufacturer worldwide accredited to ISO17712:2013 for its security labels. 

Richard Jones, general manager of Mercian Labels, expressed enthusiasm about joining Asteria, noting that the partnership allows the company to build on its strengths while benefiting from Asteria’s scale and expertise. 

Ives Declerck, CEO of Asteria Group, said that Mercian’s capabilities complement the group’s existing UK operations perfectly, while their strong position in food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets strengthens opportunities for future growth.

Why the European Label Market’s 2026 Outlook Favours Consolidation

Europe’s label industry is entering 2026 with cautious optimism as the sector continues recovering from the 2023 downturn when labelstock demand fell by more than a quarter across the continent. 

The UK remains the fourth-largest label market in Europe, with much of the growth opportunity lying in higher-value work: digital print, premium decoration and logistics labels.

For Asteria, with approximately 40 factories across Europe and revenue of approximately €500 million (US$570 million), the acquisition strengthens its position in the UK market and supports its 2030 European leadership ambition.

Mercian’s advanced automated workflow built around Cerm and its early adoption of Xeikon and Screen digital presses align with the group’s focus on innovation.

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