IRELAND – Irish packaging distribution giant Zeus has acquired two UK packaging companies, Swanline Group and its sister company BoxMart, in a €25 million deal.
Zeus is a leading specialist distribution and manufacturing group, supplying a diverse range of products and supply solutions to a wide range of customer markets across the world.
The deal will strengthen its footprint in the retail, food and beverage, and e-commerce packaging sectors.
Additionally, the acquisitions will keep Zeus on target to achieve half a billion euro annualized revenue next year – forecasted annualized revenues for Zeus in 2022 are expected to exceed more than €400m
Founded in 2001, Swanline Group provides paper-based materials, print, and conversion services to the packaging and point-of-sale sectors. It employs more than 150 people.
The company has four purpose-built sites featuring large-format infrastructure, screen, and digital printing and converting operations, as well as warehousing and distribution capabilities.
Meanwhile, BoxMart is engaged in providing UK-made gifts, retail, and e-commerce packaging. The company’s customers include Lush, Fever-Tree, and Moet Hennessy.
Commenting on the acquisition, Zeus CEO Keith Ockenden said: “It is a significant day for Zeus as we continue our current investment strategy with the acquisition of two very strong players in the UK packaging sector.
Zeus will benefit from Swanline Group and BoxMart’s long-established customer bases, in-depth knowledge about their respective sectors, and dedicated diverse teams who are committed to serving their customers.
“As a combined entity, we have enhanced our reach and offering across the UK, with further opportunity to maximize efficiencies across our distribution and supply chains, whilst broadening our product and service offerings to our existing customers,” added Ockenden.
Zeus founder Brian O’Sullivan said: “Our journey over the years has provided opportunities to strengthen our capability, widen our offering and learn new disciplines.
“The addition of these businesses into our family will complement the range of solutions we provide our customers, strengthen design, creativity, and innovation within packaging and introduce a depth of experience within new sectors.”
In October last year, Zeus acquired Irish company Limerick Packaging in an effort to expand its corrugated packaging capabilities.
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