ALBANIA – US-based hybrid packaging company, Berlin Packaging has completed the acquisition of glass packaging distributor European Packaging Solutions (EPS).

Founded in 2005, EPS is a family-owned business that offers a range of standard and tailored glass packaging solutions, with 30 private molds exclusively for customers.

The company was founded in Tirana, Albania, and has offices in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Albania.

The deal aims to expand Berlin Packaging’s footprint in the Balkans and introduce more of its glass packaging solutions to the food, soft drink, beer and spirit markets. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Berlin Packaging Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) CEO Paolo Recrosio said: “With the acquisition of EPS, we extend our operations to new countries in Europe.

“This first-rate glass packaging supplier in the food and beverage industries will bring additional expertise to our company.”

Berlin Packaging global CEO Bill Hayes added: “The EPS acquisition expands our presence in the Balkans and secures important locations in Albania and Bulgaria.”

The acquisition is Berlin Packaging’s fourth in the EMEA region and its seventh worldwide this year.

Berlin Packaging will retain all of the EPS’ employees and locations under the terms of the acquisition.

EPS general manager George Voutsas said: “EPS shares Berlin Packaging’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation.

“We are excited to start this new journey and to unite forces. I know our employees, customers and suppliers will benefit greatly from this promising partnership.”

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Berlin Packaging serves customers in the beverage, food, personal care, pharmaceutical, household care, industrial and coatings sectors.

The deal follows a prior acquisition of Elias Valavanis in 2021, a move that marked the expansion of Berlin Packaging into the Balkans market.

Based in Larissa, Greece, Elias Valavanis is a supplier of bottles and jars for olive oil, wine, spirits, soft drinks and water. With several locations in Greece, the company also has a presence in Bulgaria and Romania.

More recently, the company entered a definitive agreement to acquire industrial packaging supplier Bark Packaging Group.

The addition of Bark to its portfolio is expected to give Berlin Packaging a strong foothold in Northern Europe, especially for flexible and UN-certified packaging.

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