M&A

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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Q&A

    Emerald Packaging CEO on his dual role as supplier and policy advisor

    The 63-year-old company just closed its first acquisition. CEO Kevin Kelly spoke with Packaging Dive about forgoing private equity investment and helping customers adapt to EPR.

    By • May 28, 2026
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    Courtesy of International Paper/Cision
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    International Paper acquires North Pacific Paper Co. for $360M

    IP said Norpac’s paper mill in Longview, Washington, will complement its existing system as part of the company’s strategic transformation.

    By • Updated June 5, 2026
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    CD&R completes acquisition of Sealed Air

    The private equity purchase takes Sealed Air private. Analysts are watching closely to see how CD&R rolls the packaging company into its portfolio and whether it sells segments — a possibility that caused shareholder pushback.

    By • April 9, 2026
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    Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
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    Iran war may dampen packaging M&A in 2026

    While deals are still being announced, they’re coming at a slower pace than analysts had expected — in part due to war-related uncertainty. Meanwhile, predictions for smaller deals and heavy private equity activity are playing out.

    By • April 2, 2026
  • A ProAmpac conference booth with shelves displaying flexible packaging products.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    As performance and growth avenues lag, companies pursue M&A

    Packaging companies are turning to multiple small-to-medium deals to achieve growth, according to a report from McKinsey & Co. More than 80% of executives surveyed expect M&A activity to increase in the coming years.

    By • March 12, 2026
  • A ProAmpac/PAC Worldwide sign and packaging at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2025.
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    ProAmpac completes TC Transcontinental flexible packaging acquisition

    The transaction, backed by Pritzker Private Capital, brings together two of North America’s largest flexible packaging companies.

    By • March 6, 2026
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    Courtesy of ExxonMobil
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    Sealed Air reduced debt in 2025 ahead of acquisition

    Sealed Air released Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings results on the heels of shareholders approving the company’s acquisition by private equity firm CD&R. 

    By • March 2, 2026
  • A wide shot of Sealed Air's exhibiting area on the show floor of Pack Expo International, with people and machinery throughout
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    CD&R’s acquisition of Sealed Air clears hurdles

    Shareholders on Wednesday approved private equity firm CD&R’s proposed purchase of the packaging company, days after the European Commission gave the thumbs up to proceed.

    By • Feb. 25, 2026
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Investors’ appetites for size, scale drive packaging M&A

    Lagging company growth has tamped down M&A activity, but that could shift this year, according to speakers from Perella Weinberg Partners at The Packaging Conference. 2026 is also expected to bring more take-private deals.

    By • Feb. 10, 2026
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    The packaging industry outlook for 2026

    Take a closer look at some of the biggest topics and trends that industry leaders expect will shape commodity markets, dealmaking and the future of packaging policy.

    By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026
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    Rachel Pollack/Packaging Dive
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    International Paper expects at least 7 closures, 700+ layoffs in 2026

    The cuts in the Europe, Middle East and Africa business are part of IP’s ongoing optimization plan.

    By • Jan. 29, 2026
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    Permission granted by International Paper
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    International Paper to split into 2 companies

    The announcement about spinning off a publicly traded company for the Europe, Middle East and Africa business comes one year after Memphis, Tennessee-based IP acquired London-based DS Smith.

    By • Updated Jan. 29, 2026
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    Permission granted by Stephen Gould
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    Q&A

    Stephen Gould’s new CEO talks the ‘art’ of integration

    It’s a new chapter for the nearly 90-year-old packaging and supply chain services provider. Justin Golden took over the long-standing family business this month.

    By • Jan. 27, 2026
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Out: M&A megadeals. In: Streamlining and private equity transactions.

    Packaging M&A in 2026 will likely involve more — but smaller — deals, analysts say. Recent megadeals will drive divestitures, and numerous private equity-owned companies are approaching the end of their hold period.

    By • Jan. 22, 2026
  • An operator adjusts a pouch-making machine at an ePac Flexible Packaging facility.
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    Permission granted by ePac
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    Butterfly Equity acquires ePac

    Butterfly is “the right partner that understands and speaks our language,” said Virag Patel, co-founder and CEO of digitally printed flexible packaging specialist ePac, whose investors included Amcor.

    By • Jan. 15, 2026
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    5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2026

    Long-anticipated EPR and labeling regulations are poised to have very real impacts. The M&A cycle is advancing. And is there nowhere to go but up for containerboard?

    By , • Jan. 8, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    2025 packaging trends by the numbers

    A $10.4 billion acquisition. Two new EPR laws. A $1 billion kraft linerboard mill investment. These were some of the figures that stood out in the packaging industry this year.

    By , • Dec. 23, 2025
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    Permission granted by Ball Corporation
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    Ball to acquire majority stake in Benepack

    A German regulatory authority approved the deal Wednesday that would transfer two European production facilities into Ball’s ownership. 

    By • Dec. 11, 2025
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    Retrieved from UPM on December 08, 2025
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    Sappi, UPM propose $1.65B graphic paper joint venture

    The proposed JV will focus on the European market, but also includes a UPM Minnesota mill. The deal is expected to have broader implications for the North American market upon completion.

    By • Dec. 8, 2025
  • TC Transcontinental Packaging sign hanging from ceiling
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    ProAmpac to acquire TC Transcontinental Packaging for $1.5B

    The deal continues an M&A streak for ProAmpac as it plans to grow even bigger in flexible packaging.

    By • Dec. 8, 2025
  • A production line seals poultry packages with plastic film made from chemically recycled content
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    Courtesy of ExxonMobil
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    Sealed Air agrees to sell to private equity firm for $6.2B

    The North Carolina-based company reported that the 30-day “go shop” period, during which it solicited 29 alternative acquisition proposals, has ended. Sealed Air reiterated it expects the CD&R acquisition to close in mid-2026.

    By • Updated Dec. 17, 2025
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    Deep Dive

    Industrial M&A ramps up as tariffs settle in, interest rates drop and funds are flush

    Private equity and strategic buyers are increasingly competitive acquirers in numerous areas of manufacturing. Deal experts predict much more activity as the market heats up into 2026.

    By • Nov. 13, 2025
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    TriMas Packaging/YouTube

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    TriMas sells aerospace arm for $1.45B to focus on packaging

    CEO Thomas Snyder called the divestiture a “significant milestone in TriMas’ ongoing transformation.”

    By • Updated March 16, 2026
  • A ProAmpac display at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2025.
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    International Paper offloads bag converting to ProAmpac

    For ProAmpac, it’s a fourth acquisition growing its paper packaging business since the start of 2024. Meanwhile, International Paper continues its push to streamline its portfolio.

    By • Oct. 20, 2025
  • Georgia-Pacific's headquarters in downtown Atlanta is lit up at night.
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    Permission granted by Georgia-Pacific
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    Georgia-Pacific acquires Anchor Packaging

    The companies focus on different substrates and indicate their combination is complementary, especially to serve the food and beverage sectors.

    By • Updated Oct. 30, 2025