The European Commission has approved the acquisition by the Australian company Amcor of the world-wide plastic packaging (PET) and closure businesses of the German company Schmalbach-Lubeca.
Amcor agreed in May to buy the worldwide PET container and closure businesses of Schmalbach. The can business activities of Schmalbach are not part of the transaction. The deal was notified to the Commission for regulatory clearance on 29 May.
The Commission's investigation showed that, in Europe, Amcor is active in flexible packaging and folding carton packaging and Schmalbach in PET packaging and closures. The Commission focused its analysis in the markets for the manufacture and supply of PET packaging (bottles and preforms), flexible packaging, folding carton packaging and metal and plastic closures, including closure equipment.
It found that Amcor would face effective competition in all these areas from rivals such as Alpla-Werke, Crown Cork and Seal and Alcan Packaging.
Russell Jones, Amcor's managing director, commented:"The acquisition of Schmalbach-Lubeca's PET containers and closures operations is consistent with Amcor's strategy of targeting high growth markets to become a leading player in these market segments.
"This represents an exciting opportunity for Amcor. We are confident that the combined operations are well positioned for future growth and that the transaction positions the company as a global leader in the packaging industry."
Amcor is an Australian based packaging company which makes corrugated boxes, flexible packaging, closures, aluminium cans, PET containers and folding cartons. The company operates throughout the world, including Europe under the name of Amcor Flexibles Europe, which has a total of 40 plants located in 10 countries. Amcor also provides folding cartons packaging primarily for the tobacco industry in Europe.
Schmalbach-Lubeca is a German company active in the production and supply of PET packaging products, metal and plastic closures for glass and plastic packaging, including closure equipment, and beverage cans.