Berlin Packaging acquires Novio Packaging to complete European expansion

30 Oct 2019 --- Berlin Packaging and Novio Packaging have entered into a definitive agreement for Berlin Packaging to acquire Netherlands-based Novio Packaging for an undisclosed fee. Berlin Packaging says that this strategic transaction significantly strengthens its European plastic offering, enhances its expertise in personal care, pharmaceutical, food, and sports nutrition verticals, and expands its northern European footprint.

Berlin Packaging is a US$2.6 billion global supplier of rigid packaging products and services to customers of all types across all sectors. The company has a stronghold in North America, where it has operated since 1898, and a rapidly expanding global footprint, including operations in China, South Africa, and five European countries.

Berlin Packaging operates in Europe through its Bruni Glass division, headquartered in Milan, Italy and its Bruni Erben division, headquartered in Hadleigh, England. The supplier’s European companies are comprised of specialty glass market leader Bruni Glass, closure experts Bruni Erben and four other companies acquired in 2019.

The addition of Novio Packaging to Berlin Packaging’s existing European companies creates “a unique packaging supplier for glass, plastic, and metal containers and closures with a full suite of income-boosting services designed to grow customers’ net income,” the supplier states.

With several offices across northern Europe and approximately 160 employees, Novio Packaging has an organic and acquisitive growth track record, including completing four acquisitions in the past two years.Berlin Packaging's acquisition of Novio Packaging solidifies the latter's European positioning, notes Andrew Berlin, CEO.

Berlin Packaging is a $2.6 billion global supplier of rigid packaging products and services to customers of all types across all sectors. Novio Packaging marks Berlin’s 13th overall acquisition since 2010 and fifth in 2019, adding strategic locations throughout Northern and Southern Europe. This rapid expansion broadens the company’s global reach, which includes 1,300+ employees, 130+ locations in North America, and operations in nine European countries, China, and South Africa.

Acquisition completes European offering
“Acquiring Novio fully solidifies our European positioning, giving us the ability to help customers of all sizes, including multinational corporations, across all market segments, grow their bottom lines with our packaging products and services,” notes Andrew Berlin, Chairman and CEO of Berlin Packaging. “It provides tremendous cross-selling opportunities, a robust sales pipeline, and a perfect platform for continued European expansion.”

“Having a strong northern European partner provides new avenues for our specialty glass offering for the food, wine, and spirits markets,” adds Paolo Recrosio, CEO of Bruni Glass, a Berlin Packaging Company. “Novio’s expertise in plastics and other key market verticals will significantly expand our southern European operations, benefiting our customers and leading to superior business growth.”

“We have grown our business from two employees to one of Europe’s leading packaging solution providers,” comments Erik Trum and Marck Jansen, the Founders and Managing Directors of Novio Packaging. “By joining forces with a global powerhouse like Berlin Packaging, we are drastically accelerating the business, and this will provide substantial benefits to our customers, suppliers, and employees. We are confident that our existing customers and suppliers truly will benefit from Berlin’s broader product offering, geographical reach, and the combined vast packaging knowledge and experience the combination offers.”

Synergies between the companies create a European offering that includes:

• Packaging innovation expertise – Berlin Packaging has world-class design studios on two continents, including Studio One Eleven, the in-house innovation consultancy, offering complete structural package and brand design, all at no charge, and the Bruni Glass Innovation Center’s custom lineup of 3,000+ premium glass SKUs. Novio Packaging has created thousands of bespoke packaging solutions for some of Europe’s largest companies with exclusive designer lines.
• Global quality leadership – Berlin and Novio Packaging are both ISO 9001 certified, demonstrating a strong quality assurance commitment. In addition to their dedicated Quality Service Division, Berlin Packaging boasts an industry-leading 184 consecutive months of 99+ percent on-time delivery for customers. Novio Packaging has achieved the BRC Global Standard for product integrity during storage and distribution and is EcoVadis Gold certified, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
• Cohesive management teams – Mr. Trum and Mr. Jansen will not only add significant expertise in personal care and pharmaceutical and the key substrates in those market verticals, but they will reinvest in Berlin Packaging and partner with the executive teams in Europe and the U.S. to continue to grow the business. Mr. Trum and Mr. Jansen will both continue to be active in their current roles.

All of Novio Packaging’s employees and locations will be retained in this process. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the next 45 days. Financial details were not disclosed.

Edited by Joshua Poole