CD&R completes US$10.3B acquisition of Sealed Air, taking packaging giant private

USA – Sealed Air Corporation has been officially acquired by funds affiliated with CD&R at an enterprise value of US$10.3 billion, with stockholders receiving US$42.15 in cash per share as the company becomes privately held and ceases trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

The transaction follows a definitive agreement reached last year. Dustin Semach, president and CEO at Sealed Air, explained that today marks the beginning of a new chapter for the company.

With CD&R’s partnership, he noted, Sealed Air will accelerate its strategy by investing in innovation and expanding capabilities, enabling it to operate with a longer-term view and deliver even greater value to customers and employees.

What the Deal Means for Sealed Air

Sealed Air will maintain its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, and continue operating under its name.

CD&R is set to support the company’s growth across its Food and Protective businesses.

Rob Volpe, partner at CD&R, expressed excitement about completing the transaction and partnering with Sealed Air as the company enters its next phase of growth and success.

He noted that Sealed Air has built a strong foundation with deep customer and supplier relationships, differentiated capabilities, and a talented team, and CD&R looks forward to supporting its continued momentum.

Going private allows Sealed Air to focus on long-term investments without the quarterly earnings pressures of public markets.

For a packaging company whose products, including Cryovac food packaging and Bubble Wrap protective packaging, are embedded in global supply chains, this shift could accelerate R&D and capital expenditure in automation, sustainability, and digital solutions.

Recent Innovations from Sealed Air

Last month, the company released its I Pack Dual, an automated void reduction system designed to use less packaging material, facilitate warehouse efficiency, and support transportation.

The system creates right-sized protective packaging on demand, reducing dimensional weight charges and material waste.

Sealed Air also recently launched the Cryovac VPP MonoPro, a vertical form-fill-seal pack for fluid and pumpable foods.

According to the company, the solution features high barrier properties and is recycle-ready, addressing growing demand for mono-material flexible packaging that meets recyclability requirements under European regulations.

The Bottom Line

For the packaging industry, CD&R’s acquisition of Sealed Air signals continued private equity interest in the sector, following similar takeovers of packaging companies seeking long-term investment horizons.

The US$42.15 per share price reflects confidence in Sealed Air’s market position and growth potential, even as the broader packaging sector faces margin pressure from rising input costs.

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