Graphic Packaging completes Benson takeover

Graphic Packaging has today completed its previously announced acquisition of Benson Group, a UK food and healthcare packaging company.

David Scheible, Graphic Packaging’s chairman, president and chief executive officer

The acquisition of Benson Group by Graphic Packaging was announced in February, with the combination of Benson Group and Graphic Packaging’s existing European businesses expected to greatly enhance Graphic Packaging’s folding carton business in Europe, with sales in excess of 700 million USD.

Benson Group adds more than 200 customers and approximately 940 employees to Graphic Packaging, and operates four folding carton facilities in the UK that convert approximately 80,000 tons of paperboard annually.

David Scheible, Graphic Packaging’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: ‘We are pleased to welcome the Benson customers and employees into Graphic Packaging.

‘The strong presence of Benson Group in the store brand market complements Graphic Packaging’s existing strengths in the consumer and beverage markets. I know that together we will set new industry standards for quality, customer service and innovation.’ 

Scheible added: ‘This combination allows us to broaden our customer base and to offer our current global customers a wider range of new products and services. Like our strategy in the US, we are committed to growing our European business around food and beverage end markets and optimising our supply chain footprint around our customers’ needs.’