State of the Industry: Global Consolidation in Packaging

Besides mega-deals, private equity funds will be jockeying for the mid-market's top quality companies. Mid Oaks' recent purchase of Plastic Packaging Technologies serves as a template for the types of mid-market companies that will be most attractive in the impending flight to quality. Companies that have shown leadership in niche markets, offer value-added product lines, and whose management teams have a proven track record for shepherding growth will be in high demand. Such companies that have taken the steps to understand and adopt "institutional" practices will be in a position to receive premium valuations.