David Scheible, chairman, president and CEO, Graphic Packaging International

Graphic Packaging International, provider of packaging solutions to the food, beverage and consumer markets, has acquired Benson Group, a leading food and healthcare packaging company based in the UK.

The addition of Benson Group further strengthens the company’s growing position in the European printed folding carton market. Benson Group’s three businesses in the UK will further strengthen its footprint in Europe. The group’s position in the growing convenience and retail market particularly will complement Graphic Packaging’s existing strengths in the consumer and beverage markets.

David Scheible, chairman, president and CEO, said, ‘I am delighted to announce that Benson Group will now form part of Graphic Packaging’s growing presence in Europe. Benson Group has a great reputation, world-class assets, and a very effective management team. This acquisition is a key part of our strategic growth plan, and will give us a strong position in the convenience and retail market to complement our core strengths in consumer and beverage.’

Mark Kerridge, managing director of Benson Group, said, ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for Benson Group to become part of Graphic Packaging’s ambitious growth plans for Europe. Graphic’s excellence in operations partnered with Benson Group’s success through unrivalled customer service will be a great combination. We are looking forward to working within an enlarged European business to deliver the benefits of both to our customers and achieve further success.’