Italian packaging production company Carton Pack has acquired UK-based manufacturer of flexible food packaging Clifton Packaging. The move strengthens Carton Pack’s footprint in flexible packaging, expanding into the snacks and protein end-markets whilst also increasing its presence in the UK market.
The transaction is Carton Pack’s sixth acquisition since 2020 and the third since A&M Capital Europe, the London-based private equity firm, acquired a majority stake in the Group alongside the founding Leone family in April 2022.
Founded in 1981, Clifton is a privately owned family business which claims to offer a complete packaging solution all under one roof. The company has two sites in Leicester with five eight colour wide web high definition flexo print presses, including two Flexotecnica presses, a Uteco Crystal HD flexo press and two Soma Optima 2 presses.
According to Gianni Leone, CEO of Carton Pack Group, the acquisition not only expands the company’s product range but also strengthens its capacity to serve clients across Europe and beyond. He added that the purchase of Clifton represents a ‘vital’ step in Carton Pack’s global strategy to deliver both plastic and paper sustainable packaging solutions on a larger scale to the food industry.
Despite the acquisition, Clifton will continue to operate under the leadership of its management team, led by CEO Shane D’Souza.
He commented on the partnership, ‘Together, we are poised to redefine the future of packaging by leveraging our combined strengths to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and make a positive impact on the environment. We will continue to operate under our established brand while benefiting from Carton Pack’s extensive resources and industry expertise, including access to warehousing and distribution in Europe. It’s an exciting time for the Group and we look forward to what the future holds for us.’
