FRANCE – US-based supplier of packaging solutions Berlin Packaging is continuing its European expansion with the acquisition of French glass packaging company Gerfran SAS.
Gerfran was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in the Aquitaine region of France where it focuses on Bordeaux bottles.
It serves wine producers of all sizes, from small vineyards to large estates, as well as producing bottles and jars for beer, spirits, fruit juices, and food.
“Gerfran is the perfect partner for Berlin Packaging as we expand our operations to the southwest of France and continue to increase our wine packaging business,” said Paolo Recrosio, CEO of Berlin Packaging EMEA.
Following completion of all pending transactions, Gerfran will be the 18th acquisition by Berlin Packaging in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) since 2016 and the 8th acquisition in EMEA in 2021.
In October, Berlin Packaging announced it would acquire the Le Parfait glass packaging business and brands from O-I in France.
Earlier in August, the packaging company had announced the acquisition of glass, plastic, and metal packager Juvasa Group in Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands.
The recent acquisition follows a definitive recapitalization agreement between Berlin Packaging and its investment partners Oak Hill Capital and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board to facilitate the next stage of its growth.
The Berlin Packaging management team, including Global CEO and President, Bill Hayes, will also make a significant investment in the company alongside Oak Hill and CPP Investments, according to a PE Hub.
Royal DSM completes acquisition of Vestkorn Milling
Meanwhile, Royal DSM, a global purpose-led science-based company, has announced the completion of its acquisition of Vestkorn Milling for an enterprise value of €65m.
The acquisition of one of Europe’s leading producers of pea- and bean-derived ingredients for plant-based protein products was first announced on 29 November 2021.
Vestkorn Milling supplies the buoyant alternative protein market with proteins, starches, and dietary fibers for plant-based foods, pet food, and animal feed.
These are highly complementary to DSM’s broad offering to plant-based food and beverage companies, which includes vitamins, algal lipids, and minerals; texturizing hydrocolloids; and flavors and yeast extracts as well as enzymes.
The acquisition is a further step in DSM’s strategy to build an alternative protein business and will provide synergy with DSM’s innovative CanolaPRO™ rapeseed protein isolate, which will be commercially launched next year.
Liked this article? Subscribe to our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s packaging and printing industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
