The deal was completed on Wednesday (31 July) when Vienna-headquartered Coveris acquired 100% of the shares of Amberley, which is based in Blandford, Dorset.
Coveris will use Amberley’s capabilities, which comprise extensive digital print facilities serving the personal care and home markets, to further expand its Labels & Board business, which has five UK facilities: three in Lincolnshire, one in Hereford and one in Newcastle.
Following the acquisition, Amberley will retain its branding and operate as part of the Coveris group due to its brand 'credibility', according to Coveris marketing and communications director Barbara Sternig.
She confirmed to PrintWeek that no changes will be made to the staffing at Amberley and managing director Trevor Smith will remain in place.
“Trevor brings with him a wealth of experience and will give his full support on our journey going forward,” she said.
“Amberley is the perfect addition for Coveris to broaden its presence in the labels market and an expansion of our labels capabilities. Coveris brings the structures and benefits of an established international company whereas Amberley extends the technological capabilities of Coveris and adds a new market segment to Coveris’ labels business.
“We are looking forward to further developing the potential of our new facility within our labels and board business, which stands next to flexibles and films business as a high-potential business.”
The introduction of Amberley’s services and client list adds to Coveris’ own coverage of the labels sector, which largely focused on the fresh, chilled and ambient markets. Over the past three years, Coveris has undergone an extensive drive on investment in the latest equipment that has been further consolidated with the acquisition of Amberley.
Amberley had recently undergone a modernisation strategy of its own, investing £1m across 2017 to take on an HP Indigo, an Edale FL3- flexo press and an AB Graphic Digicon finishing line. It also runs six Bar Graphic Machinery rewinders.
Smith said: “With Coveris, we found the right partner for a strong future. Together, we will leverage off Coveris’ labels know-how and resources to take our business to next level.”
With a £6.5m turnover, Amberley employs 62 staff. One-time reprographics apprentice Ryan Samways took the Trainee of the Year gong home at the 2017 PrintWeek Awards and now works as a full-time reprographics operator at the firm.
From its base in Vienna, Austria, Coveris employs 4,500 people on 24 sites in the EMEA region.
