SÜDPACK acquires LPF

On 1 February 2021, SÜDPACK will acquire LPF Flexible Packaging B.V. (“LPF”) from the Clondalkin Group. The company, located in Grootegast, the Netherlands, is a leading manufacturer of high barrier films for sensitive products. LPF was founded in 1907 and has long-standing experience in the development and production of packaging materials. For SÜDPACK, the acquisition is a further key element in its long-term growth strategy.

Since 2005 LPF was part of the Clondalkin Group, which is owned by Dutch private equity investor Egeria since 2016. LPF’s key competencies include the development and production of printed and unprinted duplex and triplex packaging laminates, which provide highest product protection and prolonged shelf life for the most demanding applications. LPF mainly serves the packaging markets for food, pharmaceutical and technical products. Its customers include globally leading brands.

In addition to extensive product and industry expertise, LPF has extensive R&D and business development resources to support its strategy. Moreover, the company has a high quality base of machinery and infrastructure and is well-invested and supported by a highly skilled technical department. To ensure operational effectiveness, LPF’s processes are optimized for the production of high-quality laminated films.

“We value LPF’s high level of development and market competence and plan to establish the site in Grootegast as a Competence Center for High Performance Laminates over the long term within the SÜDPACK Group. In doing so, we want to further expand SÜDPACK’s expertise and performance portfolio in the development and production of high-performance laminates for various applications in order to serve attractive emerging markets and tap into new markets.” explained Erik Bouts, CEO of SÜDPACK.

Continuity of LPF’s operations post-transaction is secured and its workforce will become part of SÜDPACK. Furthermore, LPF’s customer care will be carried on by the existing sales organization and gradually advance the cultivation of new markets. Meanwhile, SÜDPACK’s high-performance laminates production continues without alterations at its sites in Ochsenhausen and Bioggio in Switzerland.

Jacco Thijen, Managing Director of LPF, views the integration into the SÜDPACK Group as very positive: “LPF has made significant steps in growing its Flexo laminates business with the support of Egeria during the last four years. In SÜDPACK, we have found a new partner who is willing to make further investments and impresses with their sustainable corporate governance and long-term growth strategy. We can benefit extensively from their strengths and core competencies while contributing with our own know-how. As a result, our entire team is very much looking forward to our collaboration.”

The incorporation of LPF into the SÜDPACK Group is to begin immediately. Erik Bouts, CEO of SÜDPACK, is convinced “that we will make rapid progress in integrating this highly-motivated team since we share the same values and visions. After all, what is of paramount importance to us all is to consistently develop the best possible solution to meet all of our customers’ needs.”