M&amp;A

South & Central America

Other topics

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

RLG acquires TQL Packaging Solutions

Charlie Edward — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:25:09 +0000

Resource Label Group (RLG) announced it has acquired Dallas, Texas-based TQL Packaging Solutions (TQL).

Offering both digital and flexographic printing, TQL is a prime label and flexible packaging company. The company offers a broad range of custom packaging including pouches, fin seal packaging, pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, roll-fed wrap, tamper-evident and extended content labels for a variety of industries.

Founded in 1995 by Scott Smith, TQL Packaging Solutions originally positioned the company as a flexographic label provider. As president of TQL, Smith rapidly expanded its capabilities to strengthen the company's offerings in flexible packaging and digital printing.

Smith stated, 'Since inception, TQL has always been committed to providing industry-leading technology, service and quality to our customers. Our customers come first and by joining the RLG family our team significantly strengthens our capabilities and ability to exceed our customers' expectations.'

'I am proud to welcome the talented team at TQL to the Resource Label Group family,' added Mike Apperson, president and CEO of Resource Label Group. 'Their focus on innovation and providing customers an exceptional experience is key to serving our growing customer base requiring flexible packaging and labeling solutions.'

TQL Packaging Solutions represents the 29th acquisition for RLG.

Posted date

2 months 1 week ago

Short title

Resource Label acquires TQL Packaging

Short summary

Scott Smith, president of TQL, sees the move as a significant step to enhance customer service and capabilities

First paragraph

Scott Smith, president of TQL, sees the move as a significant step to enhance customer service and capabilities

Regions

Other topics

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Six US label companies rebrand as Imprimus Labels & Packaging

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 10:50:59 +0000

The label manufacturing companies Western Shield, All-American Label and Packaging, Lotus Labels, DAC Labels, Label Print Technologies (LPT) and The Label Smith will now operate under one brand Imprimus Label & Packaging following several acquisitions and continued growth.

This brand overhaul is part of a series of strategic advancements made during the nine years since Nizar Elias became the company’s chief executive officer. This includes opening five additional manufacturing sites, upgrading and overhauling equipment across all six locations, and incorporating labels for digital printing, folding cartons and booklets into the company’s product portfolio, resulting in ten times revenue growth.

With production facilities in Brea, California; Dublin, California; Mogadore, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; and Memphis, Tennessee, Imprimus specializes in the consumer packaged goods industry including food and beverage markets, including wine, snack foods, frozen foods, beer, and cannabis. With flexographic and digital presses, Imprimus produces pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, folding cartons, expanded content labels, and instant redeemable coupons.

The new name emphasizes the company’s commitment to quality products and quality experiences – a name selected because it relates to both ‘imprint’ and ‘imprimatur’, meaning ‘a person’s acceptance or guarantee that something is of a good standard’.

Imprimus’ growth correlates to the steady rise in American manufacturing, which as a recent Axios report states, started outpacing the rest of the world's growth at the end of last year.

According to CNBC many US companies are now shifting from a ‘just in time’ supply chain model to a ‘just in case’ model — essentially carrying more inventory and often using more suppliers closer to the United States as opposed to reliance on foreign manufacturing.

‘Labels are the smallest cost when it comes to product packaging, but they are the most critical, accounting for 85 percent of shoppers' decisions to buy a product. Our growth is a testament to a strong operation and consistency in product and customer experience,’ said Elias. ‘Now that we have manufacturing facilities in regions throughout the United States, we can provide the best-in-class service of a local partner, for anyone, anywhere. As one company with one name, it’s easier for us to connect with each other – and with our customers – across all our locations. We can quickly and efficiently create product labels and packaging solutions that are accurate, made to last, and also look great.’

‘Though we serve over 1,000 accounts company-wide, our Imprimus customers can expect the same high-touch experience, with the added benefit of increased capacity and solutions to support their growing markets and needs,’ he added. ‘This strategic brand overhaul expands our resources for our customers and reflects our commitment to providing best-in-class service, solutions, and quality. We can offer faster turnaround times, more expert guidance when it comes to product design, marketing and what label works best, as well as broader capabilities, and more innovative and exciting products.’

Posted date

2 months 1 week ago

Short title

Six US label companies rebrand as Imprimus Labels & Packaging

Short summary

Western Shield, All-American Label and Packaging, Lotus Labels, DAC Labels, Label Print Technologies (LPT) and The Label Smith operate under one brand

First paragraph

Western Shield, All-American Label and Packaging, Lotus Labels, DAC Labels, Label Print Technologies (LPT) and The Label Smith operate under one brand

Regions

Other topics

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

How top leaders orchestrate change

Charlie Edward — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:18:13 +0000

M&A 30 June 2023

How top leaders orchestrate change

Every business needs to adapt and change, and the best ones do so continuously. Bob Cronin of The Open Approach offers lessons for implementing change in your organization

Every business needs to adapt and change, and the best ones do so continuously. Bob Cronin of The Open Approach offer for lessons for implementing change in your organization

Change is hard in any industry, in any organization. But the reality is that change is the single largest factor in an organization’s success. Any change in trajectory, business model, personnel, culture — or ownership — can be especially daunting.

As leaders, we are expected to determine the best course for our businesses, which means we are also responsible for enacting and navigating the change required to get there. If a CEO cannot champion this, it can spell disaster for their companies — despite excellence in other areas.

Think of the once-great companies such as Eastman Kodak or Sears Corporation. These leaders did not think they had to adapt, even though they had the proper talent, power and resources at their disposal. And when they tried to, they were too late.

Let’s focus on ensuring you’re never one of them, with these four essentials that top leaders use when implanting change:

1. Help people embrace the concept

The first imperative of orchestrating change is understanding the idea overall. Few people like change. Or more on point, very few people like to change. When an employee hears about change, their first reaction is to start wondering what it means to them personally. Your staff will look at the change as to what’s best for them, not what’s best for the company as a whole. And they will fear it because of the unknowns. This is a normal reaction.

Good leaders help their people assimilate and see the change as a positive — from the perspectives of many roles. Think through the various impacts a prospective change has at different levels and be prepared to communicate to and mobilize people accordingly.

Change can be a time to reinvigorate staff and reward your hardest workers with new opportunities.

2. Establish and leverage a change management team

The process of considering changes and evaluating them can be challenging. As a leader, you need to decide who needs to be involved in these discussions.

If your management team is essential in a particular change, it’s good to have them involved in deciding on it and coming up with a plan to implement it. This is especially true in the case of an acquisition, merger, company sale or owner exit.

Many entrepreneurs make these deals on their own, with their top staff finding out during an introduction to new owners. Such a major change can then get derailed, and you’ll end up alienating your greatest allies and causing fear that permeates the entire team.

Have the right people involved at the right time and leverage their insights and perspectives. Leaders create other leaders; this is especially true in times of change.

3. Be Transparent

It’s important to get everyone on board. This includes employees, partners, vendors and clients — all of whom can influence a change’s success.

Plan and time your messaging to each audience. Communicate the reason for the change, what will be achieved by it, and how it will benefit the organization. Follow up with the positives for each audience. Make sure to provide such communications in a way where each individual in the specific audience receives it at the same time. If some employees hear it before others, you’ll create fear and suspicion. Likewise with customers, as any who hear it from outside your company will feel that their business and relationship are not valued and start looking for a new supplier.

Additionally, you’ll need to be transparent about potential negatives. The change may impact compensation, objectives and roles. It may require additional work for some or even temporary business disruption. When you touch on any of these points, you’ll develop resistance. Explain where you’re heading and how these changes will help get you there. Remind everyone that growth requires adjustments. Discuss the drivers behind the decisions, the risks you’ll avert, and your considerations.

People will find it easier to embrace change if they understand its goals and see it as the best possible option.

4. Run an organization that continually changes

Look to any industry, and you’ll see that the frontrunners are those that are constantly adapting. Some have done it by acquisition, some by convergence, and others by total industry disruption. Remember there was once a little online bookstore called Amazon?

The lesson is this: we all need to change so we can continue to grow and thrive. As leaders, we have two types of decisions: easy and hard ones. Done correctly, both can forever impact your business and its success. Leading a company takes impactful thought, solid reasoning, recognition of all the issues, and sound strategic goals with the universal benefit communicated in a manner people understand and support.

Every business needs to adapt and change, and the best ones do so continuously. It isn’t easy to constantly reinvent your business, but the alternative can be a lot more difficult.

Edit content

Bob Cronin

M&A columnist

Article Also Filed in:

Top story

Visionflex joins the All4Labels Group

Akanksha Meena — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:27:18 +0000

São Paulo (Brazil based label converter Visionflex Soluções Gráficas has become 100 percent subsidiary of All4Labels Global Packaging Group. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Terms and conditions of the transaction were not disclosed.

With this transaction, All4Labels is strengthening and expanding its footprint in the southeastern region of Brazil, establishing a significant presence in São Paulo, one of the most crucial economic hubs of Brazil and Latin America.

Guido Iannone, president of All4Labels Central and South Americas, emphasized: ‘We are extremely pleased and proud to welcome the entire Visionflex team as new colleagues of the All4Labels Global Packaging Group and we are keen to develop the business further. We believe that All4Labels’ global footprint and Visionflex’ many years of experience, as a leading packaging company specialized in the food and aviation market, will further complement, and strengthen our diversified platform across products and markets within Latin America. All4Labels takes pride in being an industry leader in digital and eco-friendly packaging solutions, and we are delighted that Visionflex shares this mission and continues to lead the way in their sustainability journey. It is very impressive that since 2021, Visionflex has achieved carbon neutrality by consequently reducing CO2 emissions throughout the production process and facility.’

Both Sérgio Botteselli and Enrico Valeri, owners of Visionflex will support the joint journey with the All4Labels Group going forward by bringing in their valuable expertise that played a crucial role in establishing and enhancing the company's position for over two decades.

‘Thanks to a strong team and a steadfast commitment to all stakeholders, Visionflex has emerged as a strong player in the labels industry. We are delighted to be a part of the All4Labels Group, where we can continue to contribute to the industry's growth and success. This partnership marks a new and important step in our history, joining a multinational company that shares the same commitment to transform the industry and that will make our customers even more successful,’ highlighted Botteselli.

Valeri, shareholder and director of operations at Visionflex, added: ‘We have consistently prioritized the pillars of innovation, cost efficiency, and exceptional service throughout our journey. To ensure we are reaching our goals, we have always collaborated with our highly skilled team, supported by the expertise of specialized consultants. Furthermore, we have nurtured a culture driven by an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. With the upcoming collaboration with All4Labels, we firmly believe that these qualities will experience exponential growth in the future, further strengthening our position in the industry.’

Fernando Gabel, M&A president of All4Labels, summarized that with this new partnership the company expands its footprint to one of the most important business centers in the world, São Paulo. ‘We welcome our new colleagues and look forward to continuing the success story of All4Labels as a growing global team. Finally, I would like to thank all parties involved for their trust and valuable support in this project.’

The group's strategy of expanding into growing and attractive markets, regions and technologies with renowned partners is being continued and underlines the company’s sustainable growth strategy in the packaging industry.

Posted date

2 months 3 weeks ago

Short title

Visionflex joins the All4Labels Group

Short summary

All4Labels establishes a significant presence in São Paulo, one of the crucial economic hubs of Brazil and Latin America

First paragraph

All4Labels establishes a significant presence in São Paulo, one of the crucial economic hubs of Brazil and Latin America

Regions

South & Central America

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

All4Labels expands in Brazil

Charlie Edward — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:26:38 +0000

All4Labels is continuing its global growth strategy. Gustavo Torres, acting as the representative of the owners and also as a shareholder, signed an agreement for Faberprint, Allbox and Involv Labels, all companies in the Brazilian healthcare packaging market, to become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the All4Labels Global Packaging Group.

The latest transaction broadens All4Labels market presence into the central region of Anápolis, Brazil while improving its position in the healthcare packaging market. Furthermore, it enhances All4Labels' ability to offer an expanded portfolio of high-quality and industry-tailored products, including labels, folding boxes and leaflets for the Latin American market.

Guido Iannone, All4Labels' chief sales officer and president for Central and South Americas, expresses his strong confidence in the acquisition of the three companies, emphasizing the numerous advantages it brings: 'By expanding our network to a strategically relevant location in Brazil, we will be able to cater our customers even better going forward, drive market expansion across segments and complement the already broad expertise and strong capabilities of our Group.'

The CEO of Faberprint, Allbox and Involv Labels, Gustavo Torres, continues to manage the business and, thanks to his extensive experience and market knowledge, combined with a team of qualified and committed professionals, will contribute to strengthening All4Labels’ market position in Latin America. He stated: 'We are pleased to join All4Labels. With a combined experience of more than 20 years, Faberprint, Allbox and Involv Labels have established themselves as industry leaders in the Brazilian healthcare market. We firmly believe that becoming a part of the All4Labels Group will further accelerate the growth of our business and investments in cutting-edge technology, where we share a main goal, to accompany the growth of our partner clients and the market, always seeking to evolve in service, quality and safety, with differentiated solutions. This transaction records a remarkable milestone, a step that will allow us to explore new perspectives. All4Labels brings a valuable synergy with the global packaging market, expanding our presence in Brazil and motivating us to seek even greater achievements, always focused on presenting solutions to our customers and the important partnership with our suppliers.'

Fernando Gabel, M&A president of All4Labels, summarized: 'With this new partnership we once again broaden our offer across Brazil and Latin America. We are very pleased to welcome Gustavo Torres, his management team and all employees from Faberprint, Allbox and Involv Labels as new partners and members of the All4Labels family. This partnership will enable us to strengthen our growing Brazilian footprint. Finally, I would like to thank all parties involved for their trust and valuable support in this project.'

All4Labels Group remains committed to its strategic approach of expanding into flourishing markets, regions and technologies, alongside its partners and family businesses. This approach reinforces the company's long-term growth strategy within the packaging industry, emphasizing sustainable growth as a core principle and driver.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. The terms and conditions of the transaction were not disclosed.

Posted date

2 months 3 weeks ago

Short title

All4Labels expands in Brazil

Short summary

Faberprint, Allbox and Involv Labels all become wholly-owned subsidiaries of All4Labels

First paragraph

Faberprint, Allbox and Involv Labels all become wholly-owned subsidiaries of All4Labels

Regions

South & Central America

Other topics

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

All4Labels acquires Springfield Solutions

Charlie Edward — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:12:31 +0000

All4Labels, incorporating All4Graphics, is continuing its global growth strategy through its acquisition of Springfield Solutions. The company will become a subsidiary of the All4Labels Group. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Terms and conditions of the transaction were not disclosed.

With this transaction, All4Labels continues its strategy of building a major business unit in the United Kingdom started with the acquisition of Olympus Print Group (All4Labels UK Leeds Ltd.) as its first subsidiary in Leeds over a year ago. Dr. Günther Weymans, All4Labels’ COO said: 'We are happy to welcome the entire Springfield Solutions team as new members of the All4Labels Global Packaging Group. We believe that Springfield Solutions with their vision to be a world leader in the supply of innovative and sustainable digital packaging assets complements our digital business perfectly. With both our sites in the UK All4Labels will now be able to offer a wider range of products and services to an even broader range of customers both locally and on an international level. Finally, I would like to thank all parties involved for their trust and valuable support in this project.'

The Springfield Solutions owners and management team will continue to manage the business and, thanks to their many years of experience and market knowledge, will contribute to the accelerated growth of All4Labels in the United Kingdom.

Matt Dass, managing director of Springfield Solutions commented: 'We are extremely excited to join the All4Labels Global Packaging Group, from our very first discussion it was clear that our vision, mission and values are completely aligned. Partnering with All4Labels and its packaging design unit All4Graphics will accelerate our joint vision of being the World Leader in the Supply of Sustainable, Digital Packaging Assets.'

The founder of Springfield Solutions, Albert Dass, added: 'Since starting the company nearly 50 years ago, it has been a life’s ambition to pioneer the way print and packaging is produced, with digital being at the core of everything we do. Joining the All4Labels Group will ensure we continue to do this for the next 50 years.'

The new partnership with Springfield Solutions further substantiates All4Labels Group strategy of sustainable investments into long-term growth, innovation, professionalization and cross-regional expansion in a European and global context.

Posted date

3 months ago

Short title

All4Labels acquires Springfield Solutions

Short summary

With this move, All4Labels continues its strategy of building a major business unit in the United Kingdom started with the acquisition of Olympus Print Group

First paragraph

With this move, All4Labels continues its strategy of building a major business unit in the United Kingdom started with the acquisition of Olympus Print Group

Regions

Other topics

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Resource Label announces big acquisition

Charlie Edward — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 21:54:22 +0000

Resource Label Group announced its acquisition of Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company. Based in Simi Valley, California, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company is a manufacturer of printed inserts, labels and packaging components for pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device manufacturers.

Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company will join forces with the recently acquired MedLit Solutions. This strategic move aims to extend and fortify Resource Label Group's national capabilities for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Kevin Grogan, CEO of MedLit Solutions, will oversee the unified teams.

In a statement, Jason Laurence, president of Pharmaceutic Litho and Label, expressed his team's enthusiasm for the merger: 'Our team at Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company is highly committed to providing industry-leading quality and service that instills confidence with our global customers. We're excited to join the team at Resource Label Group and MedLit Solutions as they share that same focus and commitment. Their expanded capabilities will enable Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company to bring even more value to our customers.'

Welcoming Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company into their fold, Mike Apperson, president and CEO of Resource Label Group, emphasized the vital role of expertise and innovation in the industry: 'The pharmaceutical and healthcare segments require a deep expertise and constant innovation to ensure the safety of their products. The synergy of MedLit Solutions and Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company bolsters Resource Label Group's pharmaceutical business and commitment to providing customers an exceptional full-service, national solution to support their increased needs and requirements.'

This acquisition of Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company represents the 28th such move for Resource Label Group.

Posted date

3 months 1 week ago

Short title

Resource Label announces big acquisition

Short summary

Resource Label Group announced its acquisition of Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company

First paragraph

Resource Label Group announced its acquisition of Pharmaceutic Litho and Label Company

Regions

Other topics

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Finat welcomes new board of European label members

Pallavi Choudhary — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:45:39 +0000

At Finat’s general assembly on May 31 in Vienna, the new board of the European label industry association was installed. The election coincides with Finat’s transition to a new governance structure that aligns with Finat’s ‘4 Pillar’ strategy.

In three steps, the board of Finat will be expanded from 15 to 25 members to enable a broader representation of the membership across the value chain. Within the board, the number of executive board members has also been increased from six to eight, of which four seats are now reserved for the chairs of the new, workstream-based committee structure.

Each workstream now reflects one of the four pillars of Finat’s strategy:

Community: responsible for all Finat internal and external communications and platforms, also supporting other workstreams in their communications.

Knowledge: responsible for creating and co-ordinating knowledge for the Finat membership so all members get easy answers to their questions.

Collaboration: driving Finat-led projects together with external parties and internal stakeholders to strengthen the position of the label industry.

Advocacy: representing the label industry by monitoring and influencing developments in regulations and guidelines impacting the interests of the industry.

Each of the four workstreams includes a number of permanent working groups to manage the on-going programs, and temporary taskforces to develop new ones.

Posted date

3 months 1 week ago

Short title

Finat welcomes new board of European label members

Short summary

The board of Finat will include 25 members

First paragraph

The board of Finat will include 25 members

Regions

Other topics

Related suppliers

FINAT

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

AWT acquires ASL Print FX

Charlie Edward — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 16:14:39 +0000

AWT Labels & Packaging (AWT), a provider of custom labels, flexible packaging and precision converting solutions for healthcare, consumer brands and technology companies, announced the acquisition of ASL Print FX (ASL).

Operating for over 50 years, ASL provides innovative print solutions to beverage, consumer packaged goods, envelope and promotional markets across North America. Headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada with United States locations in Napa, California and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, ASL offers a wide suite of printing technologies, differentiated embellishment and unique prototyping capabilities. The business will continue to operate as ASL Print FX, an AWT company.

'We are grateful and thrilled with the opportunity to have the ASL Print FX team become a part of AWT Labels & Packaging,' said Bruce Hanson, CEO of AWT. 'The cultures at both AWT and ASL emphasize trust, expertise, collaboration and customer partnership. We are excited for our teams to collaborate to bring more value to our customers and opportunities for all our employees. The geographic fit between our two organizations, along with the strong leadership team in place should quickly allow us to unlock customer value immediately.'

AWT's acquisition of ASL Print FX complements our key end markets with expanded geographic footprint, printing and embellishment capabilities and an enhanced portfolio of print solutions. ASL's award winning reputation and experienced team further build on AWT's value proposition for existing and new customers.

'We greatly appreciate this opportunity to combine resources with AWT with the goal of building a strong, growth-focused enterprise for the future,' said Charlie MacLean, CEO at ASL Print FX. 'Our management and employees recognize and embrace the dynamic fit that exists between AWT and ASL. The similarity in values, business philosophy and customer focus that we both share were key to making this happen. We truly believe this to be a win-win outcome for both our companies.'

Posted date

3 months 1 week ago

Short title

AWT acquires ASL Print FX

Short summary

Expansion and collaboration set as new goals

First paragraph

Expansion and collaboration set as new goals

Regions

Other topics

Rate

Top story

Article main topic