The deal, completed 31 December, saw the division acquired by the purpose-built Nobelus Europe Ltd, incorporated in late October under McKinley films division director Jeremy Fentiman and Nobelus global CEO Steve Truan.

Since 1 January, the films operation has traded under its Nobelus Europe name from its Newmarket home, where it will continue to operate alongside its old parent company. 

Fentiman told Printweek that the agreement was the “formalising of a very good working relationship” between the two companies.

The two have worked together since 2014, with McKinleys effectively acting as Nobelus’ European distributor over the past 10 years.

Nobelus, a market leader in the US, is now ready to expand further abroad: its acquisition of McKinleys’ films division, Fentiman explained, was the first point in a global expansion strategy.

Existing customers across the UK and Europe have now gained access to a wider product pool of thermal laminates, unsupported films, and thermal laminators, including innovative products like the US firm’s Silver Halide Replacement films that mimic classic photography printing, and digitally printable flexible packaging films.

“The entire Nobelus team is excited about the opportunities a new continent will provide,” said Truan.

“We are growing again, and expansion in Europe opens up a whole new world of possibilities for the innovative finishing films, equipment, methods, and sustainable products that we have developed over the past eight years.”

Nobelus has said it will help Nobelus Europe “realise significant growth” and expand into new verticals in the UK and Europe.

“The Nobelus team is keen for the challenge,” said Truan.

McKinleys will continue its distribution of packaging supplies as normal following the sale.