M&A

Nilpeter consolidates Latin American operations under Nilpeter Latam

Will Drysdale — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:52:34 +0000

Headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, Nilpeter Latam will serve customers across the continent, from Argentina to Mexico. The consolidation unites sales, service, spare parts, and customer care into a single regional setup designed to deliver a more easy experience for converters and brand owners alike.

The move marks a necessary step in Nilpeter's global strategy, strengthening the company's ability to support customers across the region with faster service, closer collaboration, and a clearer market presence.

Latin America is a strategically important market for Nilpeter, with more than 1,000 Nilpeter presses across the region. Over the years, Nilpeter has built strong local resources, including a strategic spare parts setup and an experienced customer support organisation. Bringing these capabilities under one umbrella is intended to improve responsiveness and create even closer partnerships with key customers.

'Nilpeter Latam is a natural next step for us,' said Rubens Wilmers, managing director, Nilpeter Latam. 'We have a strong foundation in the region, with local expertise, an established support structure, and a large installed base. By consolidating everything into one organisation, we are making it simpler for customers to engage with us and easier for us to deliver the service, know-how, and speed they expect.'

Nilpeter Latam will be led by Rubens Wilmers, who assumes overall responsibility for the region's commercial and operational activities. The Latin American sales and customer care teams will continue to work closely with customers, supported by Nilpeter's global organisation and technology platform.

'Our ambition is to be the preferred printing partner in every region where we operate,' says Peter Eriksen, CEO, Nilpeter. Latin America has been a loyal and important part of our business for decades. With Nilpeter Latam, we are sharpening our regional focus and aligning our resources to support customers even better, locally, quickly, and consistently, while staying fully connected to Nilpeter's global strategy and innovation roadmap.'

Nilpeter Latam will continue to build on the company's presence in the region, maintaining a strong local footprint while ensuring customers benefit from Nilpeter's global engineering heritage, ongoing innovation, and broad portfolio of flexo, offset, and digital solutions.

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Nilpeter consolidates Latin American operations under Nilpeter Latam

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Nilpeter has brought its Latin American entities together into a single organisation.

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Nilpeter has brought its Latin American entities together into a single organisation.

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FineLine acquires Digi-Trax

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:23:04 +0000

FineLine Technologies has acquired Digi-Trax Corp., a provider of healthcare labeling and identification systems for blood and cell-therapy supply networks.

Digi-Trax will operate as FineLine's new Healthcare Division. The company's software and hardware meet ISBT-128 international standards for coding and labeling medical products of human origin, including blood, tissues and cell samples. Its products integrate with multiple health IT platforms and laboratory information systems.

'We look forward to leveraging Digi-Trax's expertise to drive growth and expand our presence in the global healthcare sector,' commented George Hoffman, CEO of FineLine Technologies. 'Digi-Trax has an outstanding 40-year legacy of customer service and continuous innovation. Together we will offer customers an all-in-one labeling system, from barcode hardware and supplies to software.'

Digi-Trax offerings include the HemaTrax ISBT-compliant labeling system, the HemaTrax-CT on-demand print system for ISBT 128 cellular therapy labeling, and the RepliTrax standalone barcode label replication system.

Jeff Kriozere, Digi-Trax owner and son of the company's founder, noted that operating as a FineLine company will allow Digi-Trax to leverage FineLine's scale, global infrastructure and vendor network.

'Our team remains dedicated to providing the same outstanding products, service and support that our customers have come to expect,' he added.

FineLine offers a global RFID tag, label and packaging portfolio. Its service bureau network manages the entire fulfillment process, from data processing and quality control to packaging and distribution.

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FineLine acquires Digi-Trax

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Deal expands the company's presence in the healthcare labeling sector.

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Deal expands the company's presence in the healthcare labeling sector.

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Bar Graphic Machinery to grow 'organically' after acquisition

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:05:35 +0000

Finishing & embellishment 08 December 2025

Bar Graphic Machinery to grow 'organically' after acquisition

BGM managing director outlines plans following Duplo purchase.

BGM managing director shares how the company plans to grow 'organically' after being acquired by a multimillion-dollar company, Duplo.

In August, Bar Graphic Machinery (BGM), a UK-based producer of finishing equipment for the labeling and packaging industry, announced it was selling the business to Duplo, a Japanese manufacturer of print finishing equipment that has a UK presence in Addlestone, Surrey, UK.

Hideo Tanaka, president of the Duplo Corporation; Bill and Annemarie Rhodes, founders of BGM and Adam James, newly appointed managing director of BGM at Labelexpo Europe 2025.

BGM was incorporated by Bill and Annmarie Rhodes over 33 years ago from the garage attached to the couple's home. It has since moved locations twice to its current site in Bradford, UK.

Duplo has decades of experience in the packaging world. Established in 1959 in Japan, it now exports its products to more than 115 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Russia.

Bill Rhodes told L&L at its open house event in October that he was confident in selling BGM to Duplo because he felt the company he built would not be 'smashed into the ground' and keep things consistent for its loyal customers, barring small changes to progress the business further.

Additionally, he shared that it has ‘always’ been his plan to sell the business as he and his wife approach their retirement.

"What really set BGM apart was the honest, human connection that was at the heart of the company"

When asked if anyone in the family would consider continuing the family business, Bill Rhodes stated that he 'wouldn't want it for them', not because of a lack of faith, but because of the time and effort required to run BGM.

Bill and Annemarie's youngest daughter and her husband still work at BGM and will continue in their current roles. Paul Rhodes is the machine shop manager, and Sally Rhodes works in the sales and marketing team.

Customers have sought out the expertise of BGM, and specifically Bill's handiwork, for decades, as the company offers the opportunity to create bespoke label finishing machines. If a customer has an innovative idea that will aid their current workload, BGM will provide it if it can.

Sprite Labels, based in Nottingham, UK, has been a customer of BGM since 2016. Tony Katsouris, managing director of the company, said: 'What really set BGM apart was the honest, human connection that was at the heart of the company.

'We placed our first order with BGM in Nov 2016. We needed a plain label converting machine in super quick time.

'BGM's response was fantastic. We received the equipment in a few short weeks at a great price. That was the start of a great relationship.

Katsouris can also vouch for the bespoke craftsmanship at BGM, saying: 'We have always felt that our projects, and sometimes wacky ideas, would be listened to and discussed.

‘Several of these have come to fruition, albeit with amendments, and this has helped us in our aim to do more interesting things with sticky materials and tag stock.'

The relationship between Bill, the BGM team, and its clients is strong. So much so that Bill phoned Katsouris personally to inform him of the acquisition.

Katsouris also shared that he is not worried about the acquisition impacting the pair’s relationship, saying: 'I would expect that Duplo understands the relationships that BGM has built over the years and would want to nurture and develop those relationships going into the future'.

Adam James, newly appointed managing director of BGM, was confident when asked who else can provide this level of bespoke workmanship in label finishing machinery, saying 'no one' is producing the number of tailored products BGM is.

James began his career in the labeling and packaging industry as a machine operator, and for this reason, he will be an excellent fit for manufacturing machinery for end users.

"I would expect that Duplo understands the relationships that BGM has built over the years and would want to nurture and develop those relationships going into the future"

Before BGM, James worked at CS Labels, where he served as managing director. In that role, the company began producing digitally printed flexible pouches, an avenue James mentioned while speaking to L&L.

BGM already offers flexible packaging film rewinders, but James alluded to the company expanding flexible packaging offerings via other machines.

Earlier this year, BGM announced the 550 iSR, a 550mm/22in wide web slitter, and even since then, the company has modified it, adding a retractable knife to make precise cuts on the splicing tables. Before that development, it would take an operator with a Stanley knife to make these cuts, leaving marks on the machine while risking mistakes to products or injury to the operator.

The 550 iSR

The knife runs along channels set at specific angles through grooves, making it borderline impossible to make a mistake with a cut. At the same time, it will save the operator time when searching for a misplaced Stanley knife.

BGM claims up to 50 percent of its machines are bespoke, and for this reason, customers continue to return, not just for new machines to bolster their assets, but also to rebuild machines that are almost 20 years old.

James shared that a customer who had bought a machine two decades ago wanted to keep the same machine but have the components replaced, which are essentially the same components they were when it was purchased.

At its heart, the company has a family-oriented feel, and while the industry is struggling to recruit and retain youthful talent, BGM prides itself on recruiting apprentices. There are currently two at the company, Dan Percival and Jake Riley.

Everything, except for the paint work of the machinery, is done in-house at BGM, leaving every detail down to the team at BGM, another reason why its machines are sought after.

James told L&L that Duplo's intention is not to tamper with the fundamentals of what BGM already does and to let it grow 'organically'.

In terms of branding for the company, it will stay as it is, apart from maybe changing the color of the BGM logo to conform with the same blue of the Duplo logo, other than this and the addition of 'a Duplo company' under the current BGM logo.

Additionally, James told L&L that Hideo Tanaka, president of the Duplo Corporation, had always wanted to enter the flexographic printing industry, and acquiring BGM was the right fit for both companies.

Although James stated that he and Duplo, as well as the founders, wanted the company to grow organically, BGM has hired Patryk Dudzinski as its sales manager, as the company had not previously had a dedicated sales role.

Dudzinski has a strong background in the labeling and packaging industry, having worked at Graftotronic as its product manager for more than six years before joining BGM

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Will Drysdale

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Label Makers acquires First Choice Labels

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:51:25 +0000

UK-based The Label Makers has acquired Redcar-based First Choice Labels in a strategic move that brings together two specialists in the self-adhesive label market.

The acquisition increases capacity, expertise and service flexibility for customers across both businesses.

Founded on a strong commitment to quality and service, First Choice Labels has built a reputation for producing high-quality self-adhesive labels and maintaining long-standing, trusted relationships with customers across multiple sectors. Their commitment to responsive service, technical proficiency and consistent product performance has made them a reliable partner for both new and established clients. These strengths align closely with The Label Makers' own values, making the business a natural and complementary fit.

First Choice Labels will retain its established name and brand identity and continue operations from its Redcar site, with all staff remaining in post. The teams from both companies have already met as part of a smooth and positive onboarding process.

As part of the transition, Colin Harbinson, who has been with First Choice Labels for over 19 years and brings extensive technical and operational experience, has been promoted to operations director.

The acquisition expands the combined group's offering, giving clients an even fuller complement of self-adhesive options and enhancing production flexibility across both locations.

'I am immensely proud to take on this new role as our two businesses come together,' commented Harbinson. 'First Choice Labels has always been committed to delivering excellent products and service and it's clear that The Label Makers shares those same values. Joining forces allows us to strengthen what we already do well, and I look forward to working closely with both teams to drive continued quality and innovation.'

'First Choice Labels is a natural complement to our business. Their dedication to quality, customer service and long-standing client relationships mirrors our own approach, making this an excellent cultural and strategic fit. Together, we can offer an even broader range of self-adhesive options while maintaining the premium standards our customers expect. We are delighted to welcome the First Choice team into the wider organization,' added Zenna Parfaniuk, managing director of The Label Makers.

The addition of First Choice Labels marks a positive step forward for The Label Makers, strengthening its ongoing commitment to delivering premium, high-performance labelling products across the UK market.

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Label Makers acquires First Choice Labels

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First Choice Labels joins the group while retaining the brand and the Redcar site.

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Sappi and UPM form paper joint venture

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:19:09 +0000

Sappi Limited and UPM-Kymmene Corporation have signed a non-binding letter of intent to form a 50/50 joint venture combining Sappi's European graphic paper business with UPM's communication papers business in Europe, the UK and the US.

The transaction, subject to regulatory approval and shareholder consent, is expected to close by the end of 2026. The parties intend to sign definitive agreements during the first half of 2026.

'The proposed joint venture represents a decisive response to the structural changes in the European graphic paper industry, offering a path to strengthen its resilience and provide long-term commitment and supply security to customers,' commented Steve Binnie, CEO of Sappi Limited and Massimo Reynaudo, president and CEO of UPM.

Binnie added that the partnership would deliver a focused business bringing together the best assets and people to create a strong future for customers while protecting the European manufacturing base. The transaction delivers on Sappi's Thrive strategy to reduce direct exposure to the graphic paper segment, with direct sales volume exposure decreasing to below 20 percent after completion.

The joint venture addresses sustained structural decline in demand within the graphic paper market alongside overcapacity and low utilization rates. This erosion has been caused by a structural shift toward digital media, declining print advertising revenues, falling newspaper and magazine circulations and rapid adoption of electronic media and workflows.

To remain competitive and sustainable in the long term, consolidation is needed. Consolidation will contribute to a more robust and resilient European graphic paper industry, safeguarding security of domestic supply for the printing sector,' noted Marco Eikelenboom, CEO of Sappi Europe.

By strategically reallocating production volumes to the most efficient paper machines, the joint venture will achieve more sustainable capacity utilization and stronger operational performance. Operational synergies are anticipated to be at least 100 million EUR per annum once implemented.

Sappi and UPM will sell their respective businesses to the newly formed joint venture with a combined enterprise value of 1,420 million EUR excluding synergy benefits. The Sappi business is valued at 320 million EUR based on an FY2025 EBITDA of 64 million EUR, representing a 5x multiple. The UPM business is valued at 1,100 million EUR, representing a 4.6x multiple of the last reported 12 months to September 2025 EBITDA.

Sappi will contribute Gratkorn Mill in Austria, Ehingen Mill in Germany, Maastricht Mill in the Netherlands, Kirkniemi Mill in Finland and Sappi Europe's wood supply joint ventures. UPM will contribute communication papers business assets located at mills in Augsburg, Schongau, Nordland, Rauma, Kymi, Jämsänkoski, Caledonian in the UK and Blandin in the US.

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Sappi and UPM form paper joint venture

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European graphic paper businesses to merge in 50/50 partnership deal.

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European graphic paper businesses to merge in 50/50 partnership deal.

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Inovar acquires Enterprise Marking Products

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:04:57 +0000

Inovar Packaging Group has acquired Enterprise Marking Products, one of the regional leaders in flexographic label printing based in Fishers, Indiana, strengthening Inovar's presence in the Midwest and expanding its capabilities in durable and industrial labeling applications.

Founded in 1989 by Chris and Carol Fread, EMP specializes in pressure-sensitive and non-adhesive labels for a diverse range of markets, including industrial and container, including drums, pails and IBCs, food and beverage, and consumer durable goods. The company is recognized for its high-quality durable and custom labels, including flexographic labels, barcodes and thermal transfer products that serve customers across the region.

'As we continue to strategically grow the organization, we're focused on acquiring businesses that align with our values and customer-focused culture, enhance our technical capabilities and strengthen our position in the marketplace,' said Jeff Brezek, CEO of Inovar. 'The addition of Enterprise Marking Products expands our flexographic platform, deepens our presence in the Midwest and strengthens our ability to deliver high-performance labeling solutions across multiple end markets.'

Brezek added: 'Just as importantly, EMP brings a talented and experienced team that shares our entrepreneurial spirit and passion for serving customers.'

After more than three decades leading Enterprise Marking Products, Chris Fread shared his confidence in the company's future with Inovar. 'We built this business on strong relationships, integrity and a commitment to quality. Inovar brings those same values and the scale to help EMP, its customers and its employees continue to thrive into the future.'

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Inovar acquires Enterprise Marking Products

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The acquisition expands Midwest presence and flexographic label printing capabilities.

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The acquisition expands Midwest presence and flexographic label printing capabilities.

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Loparex acquires Enterprise Coated Products

Selah Zighelboim — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:22:36 +0000

Loparex, a global release liner company, completed its acquisition of Enterprise Coated Products, uniting two businesses in the manufacturing sector. The deal is effective immediately.

This acquisition combines Loparex's scale and market presence with Enterprise's specialized manufacturing expertise and entrepreneurial agility. The union creates a more robust and versatile partner for customers, offering an expanded portfolio of products and services without disruption.

'Welcoming Enterprise to the Loparex family is a tremendous opportunity to enhance our value proposition and continue our journey back to industry-leading service,' said Rich Holder, CEO of Loparex. 'We have long admired Enterprise's commitment to quality, excellent customer service and unique operational strengths. Our goal is to preserve and nurture the very qualities that make Enterprise great while providing the resources to accelerate growth.'

The driving force behind this union is the synergy between Loparex's established market leadership and Enterprise's agility in small-batch, narrow web production.

This combination directly addresses evolving market demands for both scale and specialization. Loparex intends to maintain Enterprise's strong brand equity, operational model and go-to-market strategy, ensuring a seamless transition for customers and employees.

Customers of both Loparex and Enterprise can expect a seamless experience with no immediate changes to points of contact, order fulfillment or service terms. The long-term vision is to collaboratively develop integrated technologies that leverage the full spectrum of the combined company's strengths.

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Loparex acquires Enterprise Coated Products

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This acquisition combines Loparex's scale and market presence with Enterprise's specialized manufacturing expertise and entrepreneurial agility.

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This acquisition combines Loparex's scale and market presence with Enterprise's specialized manufacturing expertise and entrepreneurial agility.

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MPS Printing announces management led buy-out

Will Drysdale — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:45:30 +0000

MPS Printing has announced that the company has completed a restart through a management-led buy-out and hopes to rebuild trust and long-term value for customers, employees and partners. Nick Tyrer and MPS Systems co-founder Bert van den Brink support the management buy-out.

The MPS management team has developed a plan to reposition the company as a healthy and sustainably operating business, with a focus on service, recurring revenues, and selective new equipment sales.

A strengthened focus on service, innovation, and responsible growth

The new direction of MPS Printing includes renewed investment in service, technical support, and customer care; strengthening the company’s presence with a more resilient business model; a more efficient and transparent organizational structure; and lifecycle development of the product portfolio.

The management expresses sincere appreciation to employees, customers, suppliers, and partners who continued to engage with MPS Printing despite the uncertainty of the past period.

Nick Tyrer said: ‘We recognize the hardship this has caused for some of our stakeholders. Your continued engagement and your willingness to look ahead with us are invaluable.

We are committed to earning back your trust through our actions in the months and years ahead.’

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MPS Printing announces management led buy-out

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The company has set a course for a future of renewed stability, innovation, and strengthened partnerships.

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The company has set a course for a future of renewed stability, innovation, and strengthened partnerships.

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AWA Alexander Watson Associates acquires AIPIA

Will Drysdale — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:11:10 +0000

Alexander Watson Associates (AWA), a global market intelligence and market insights firm specializing in the packaging, converting, materials, labeling, and specialty papers sectors, has announced the acquisition of AIPIA (the Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association).

Founded in 2011, AIPIA is recognized globally as advocating the development and adoption of innovative connected and smart packaging. Through its extensive network, events, and industry collaborations, AIPIA has consistently driven forward the conversation about the intersection of packaging innovation.

By integrating AIPIA into its portfolio, AWA aims to harness synergies that will enhance its market intelligence and advisory capabilities and broaden the scope of services offered to clients. The acquisition will facilitate the convergence of AWA's market insights and analytical abilities with AIPIA's industry-leading expertise in active and intelligent packaging, and continue to grow and expand the AIPIA and AWA Global Congress.

Corey M Reardon, president and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, said: 'We are excited to welcome AIPIA into the AWA family.

'The active and intelligent packaging sector is at the forefront of technological advancement, and this acquisition reflects our commitment to providing our clients with unparalleled access to the latest information, trends and insights. With AIPIA's extensive network and know-how, we are set to lead the way in guiding the future as an information source to the packaging and labeling industry.'

The collaboration will strengthen both entities' capabilities in offering enhanced business intelligence, networking opportunities, and expert-driven events that address the needs of stakeholders across the value chain.

Eef de Ferrante, AIPIA managing director, said: 'Joining forces with AWA presents an exciting opportunity for AIPIA.

'Together, we are poised to elevate our impact in the active and intelligent packaging domain, delivering exceptional value as an information and networking hub.'

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AWA Alexander Watson Associates acquires AIPIA

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AWA expands its reach in the field of smart and intelligent packaging and labeling.

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AWA expands its reach in the field of smart and intelligent packaging and labeling.

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Tipa acquires Sealpap

Selah Zighelboim — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:38:50 +0000

Tipa Compostable Packaging, a global compostable flexible packaging company, together with its European subsidiary Bio4Pack, has acquired Sealpap, a recyclable paper-based packaging company.

This acquisition marks a significant step in Tipa’s mission to transform the flexible packaging industry. By combining Tipa’s certified compostable technologies with Sealpap’s recyclable coated paper products, the partnership provides global brands with packaging technology that aligns with their product needs, while meeting environmental goals and new EU regulations.

'Our vision has always been to lead the industry toward truly circular packaging,' said Daphna Nissenbaum, co-founder and CEO of Tipa. 'Joining forces with Sealpap allows us to meet customer demand with a broader portfolio while continuing to set the pace on innovation and regulatory alignment.'

'By joining Tipa, Sealpap is taking a major step forward in enabling brands to choose truly sustainable paper-based packaging options, whether recyclable or compostable,' said Robert van der Laan, owner of Sealpap. 'Combining our expertise in coated paper technologies with Tipa’s proven leadership in compostability gives our customers a strategic edge, especially in light of the fast-approaching regulatory changes across Europe.'

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Tipa acquires Sealpap

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The partnership combines Tipa’s certified compostable technologies with Sealpap’s recyclable coated paper products.

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The partnership combines Tipa’s certified compostable technologies with Sealpap’s recyclable coated paper products.

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M&A

Nilpeter consolidates Latin American operations under Nilpeter Latam

FineLine acquires Digi-Trax

Bar Graphic Machinery to grow 'organically' after acquisition

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Label Makers acquires First Choice Labels

Sappi and UPM form paper joint venture

Inovar acquires Enterprise Marking Products

Loparex acquires Enterprise Coated Products

MPS Printing announces management led buy-out

AWA Alexander Watson Associates acquires AIPIA

Tipa acquires Sealpap