Business Management - M&A

Fortis Solutions Group has acquired Kala Packaging to expand its offerings of pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging. Kala Packaging specializes in variable content printing, anti-counterfeit and security solutions, and food safe flexible packaging.

For sellers, managing risk is a five-step process that’s really no different from the exit planning strategy we recommend to clients in normal circumstances. But, until COVID-19 starts to recede and market conditions improve, sellers should carry out specific steps with special urgency and care.

Clearly, consolidation of the printing industry will continue; some consolidators will succeed, and others, for reasons of misplaced strategy, or simply bad timing in a tumultuous market, will need to deconsolidate whether via a trip through bankruptcy court or divestitures.

I.D. Images has announced its acquisition of Pointil Systems, which specializes in providing label and tag solutions for the food safety and traceability, agriculture, supply chain and warehousing, transportation, forest products, and medical industries.

McDowell Label has been acquired by Resource Label Group, expanding Resource Label's presence in the Southwest United States. McDowell Label, founded in 1981, will maintain its focus on creating innovative packaging solutions for top selling consumer brands in premium beverage, cosmetics and personal care, nutraceutical, food, pet care, and automotive industries, among others.

The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have a bearing on mergers and acquisitions among printing and packaging companies as we enter 2021. But, the virus won’t be making the deals. Smart owners will, and with realism and flexibility, the deals can be as good as any in a normal year.

Brook & Whittle has announced its agreement to acquire Innovative Labeling Solutions (ILS) and Wizard Labels, leading companies in the digital printing and online ordering segments of the label industry. The ILS and Wizard Labels leadership teams will continue to focus on running their respective businesses as part of Brook & Whittle.

Flint Group Packaging Inks has acquired Poteet Printing Systems LLC, which manufactures and sells water-based inks for flexographic applications to printers and converters across the United States.

Durst is strengthening its position in the U.S. Graphics Industry with the acquisition of a majority stake in Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, headquartered in Lawrenceville, Ga. Vanguard Digital is a manufacturer of printing systems for the signage, decoration, corporate, industrial, and packaging sectors.

LLFlex has acquired the assets of Hampden Papers, a premium paper converter specializing in paper, foil, film, holographic and transfer metalized lamination, sheeting, and embossing. The combination creates one of the largest and most experienced suppliers of coated and laminated substrates for packaging in North America.