One trend we've noticed at Plastics News is an usual number of ownership changes for label making companies, a niche of the plastics film and packaging industry that usually doesn't see a lot of attention.
Private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC just announced a deal to buy two label suppliers — Multi-Color Corp. of Cincinnati and Elk Grove, Ill.-based Fort Dearborn Co. — merging them into a $3 billion business it says will be "the world's largest label solutions company."
In June, it was investment firm Mason Wells doing the buying, closing an acquisition of KDV Labels LLC and its sister company, I-Graphics LLC. KDV is a label converter for a diverse set of consumer end markets including beverage, food, household cleaning and personal care with a headquarters plant in Waukesha, Wis., and another facility in Loveland, Colo.
PPC Flexible Packaging LLC of Buffalo Grove, Ill., picked up Target Labels & Packaging LLC of North Salt Lake, Utah, in May for an undisclosed price. The company makes flexographic and digitally printed, laminated and converted packaging labels, as well as rollstock and pouches.
Also in May, Canada's CCL Industries picked up Singapore's Lux Global Label, providing it $7.5 million in new business in Asia.
In April, Virginia-based Fortis Solutions Group LLC, part of Main Post Partners, acquired Total Label, with locations in Whitefish, Mont., and Memphis.
Granted, there are other parts of the plastics industry that have seen more M&A activity, but the rising interest in label makers stands out.
Also of note, if you're a big fan of M&A reporting, the July 12 issue of PN will include Frank Esposito's coverage of the big deals and trends of the first half of 2021.
