ÅR Packaging targets European healthcare and beauty packaging consolidation through further acquisitions

13 Nov 2019 --- European folding carton and flexible packaging supplier ÅR Packaging has acquired all outstanding shares in K+D AG and entered into an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares in rlc Packaging. The supplier indicates that it will also “indirectly” acquire a significant share in BSC Drukarnia Opakowań through the acquisition of all outstanding shares in rlc Packaging. ÅR Packaging describes these companies as “well-reputed packaging producers with substantial market presence in the central European market for healthcare and beauty products.” These strategic moves are intended to elevate ÅR Packaging in the healthcare, pharma and beauty segments.

Through the acquisitions of K+D and rlc, ÅR Packaging aims to continue its growth development in line with the strategic plan to expand in selected segments. The healthcare business of the Group includes both carton based and flexible packaging for customers in the pharma, medical and beauty industry in Europe and Asia.

K+D is an expert in pharmaceutical and cosmetics packaging and provides GMP-compliant, finished and counterfeit-proof cartonboard solutions. The company is based in Switzerland, where it holds a market leading position in pharmaceutical packaging printing and has around 70 employees.

rlc Packaging is an innovative premium packaging manufacturer specialized in high-quality folding cartons for the beauty, pharma, food and confectionery industry. The Group comprises of four production facilities in Germany and one in Switzerland. Additionally, the group holds a significant share in BSC Drukarnia Opakowań in Poland having two plants. In total the headcount is around 1,500 experienced employees. rlc Packaging has a strong market position in Central Europe with a customer base of both well-known global large-cap and local mid-cap companies.

“We are excited to welcome these companies, which are a good fit for our group’s growth strategy. Together with our existing activities it will put ÅR Packaging at a top three position in Europe in the healthcare, pharma and beauty segments, served by 11 plants in six countries,” says Harald Schulz, President and CEO of ÅR Packaging. “The customers of K+D and, following completion, rlc will benefit from our Group’s unique product portfolio including multi-substrate packaging.”

“We are very happy to join the ÅR Packaging family. It is a strategic step for us which follows the market dynamics and is in favor of our national and international customers as well as for our employees,” notes Stefan Kuhn, the previous owner of K+D.

“As a family business in its 5th generation, we have always focused on sustainable and long-term perspectives for our employees and a reliable relationship with our customers,” Hans-Christian and Stephan Bestehorn at rlc Packaging comment. “Becoming part of ÅR Packaging, we see excellent opportunities to further increase packaging expertise and commitment available to pharma and brand owners. For this reason, we both remain within the company and are therefore fully committed to the strategic idea behind this decision.”

Completion of the acquisition of rlc Packaging is subject to customary closing conditions, including local regulatory approvals. The parties to the acquisition have agreed that no financial details will be disclosed.

Edited by Joshua Poole