Amcor expands film output with B-Pack Due purchase

Global packaging manufacturer Amcor Ltd. has bought B-Pack Due SpA, a cast polypropylene (PP) film manufacturer based in Campiglia Marittima, Italy.

According to Amcor, the 43 million euro purchase part of a strategic move by the Melcourne, Australia-based company to expand its film output.

B-Pack manufactures films for high performance applications in the laminated food packaging, medical and pet food markets. Prior to the buy-out, Amcor purchased approximately one-third of B-Pack’s output.

As part of the acquisition, Amcor has also entered into an exclusive supply deal with Colines S.p.A, a major producer of extrusion lines, and existing supplier to B-Pack Due.

“This acquisition is an important step in the overall film strategy for the flexibles business,” Amcor managing director and CEO Ken MacKenzie said in a statement. “B-Pack Due is a global leader in the production of [cast] PP film and has specialized products and unique process know-how. This acquisition is complementary to our existing operations as Amcor currently does not have a large position making these films.”

The transaction is the latest in a number of deals that has seen Amcor become one of the leading global packaging companies. After completing the takeover of Alcan in February 2010 for just under US$2 billion, Amcor bought Ball Plastics in August for US$280 million.