SERBIA – British fiber-based packaging supplier DS Smith has agreed to acquire Bosis doo, a high-quality packaging company in Serbia.
The acquisition is complementary to the business’ existing regional packaging activity in Eastern Europe and will support its growth drive in the region.
With a focus on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) customers, Bosis doo is particularly well suited to complement DS Smith’s strategy in the region, which targets higher growth and margin opportunities through its sustainable performance packaging customer proposition.
The acquisition will be structured as a share transaction and is expected to be completed within the second half of DS Smith’s financial year, subject to customary closing conditions.
Miles Roberts, group chief executive, DS Smith, said: “We are seeing significant growth in demand for sustainable packaging and for plastic replacement in East Europe, especially in Serbia, and are delighted to announce our agreement to acquire Bosis Doo.
“We look forward to warmly welcoming our new colleagues. This acquisition will develop our ability to support customers, enhancing our capabilities in the region and accelerating growth by offering world-class, sustainable and innovative products to many more customers.”
Plastic replacement is a key focus area for DS Smith, and the business recently achieved the milestone of over 762 million units of plastic replaced since March 2020.
DS Smith continues to work closely with customers to help them address their sustainability goals and will seek to accelerate this progress in the East Region.
Following the completion of the acquisition, DS Smith’s total packaging operations in Eastern Europe will comprise 29 box plants and additional facilities, employing more than 7,000 people in the region.
Situated c.100km south of Belgrade, Serbia, the family-owned business was founded in 1982 and employs 140 employees working on a single site in Valjevo.
Autajon Group buys Simply Cartons
Meanwhile, French packaging and labelling giant Autajon Group has acquired Nottingham-based Simply Cartons and Simply Luxe, for an undisclosed fee, expanding its footprint into the UK.
The ‘Integration’ of Simply Cartons with one of the main European leaders in the set-up boxes, packaging and labeling industries will help the company grow further, according to Simply Cartons and Simply Luxe chief executive Craig Mather.
“This new partnership gives the Simply Group a greater global presence enabling us to facilitate not only the continued growth of Simply but also satisfy the needs of our global customers too,” said Mather.
Simply Cartons services markets including luxury drinks, cosmetics and health & beauty, premium food and confectionery.
Mather added there will be no change to the current Simply Cartons team: “Alongside the Autajon Group, we intend to further this practice through partnering in our learnings and furthering our world-leading operations to service the packaging industry.”
Simply Cartons should benefit through access to Autajon facilities in the USA, Asia Pacific regions and Central Europe.
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