Lancaster-based Metamark makes a range of substrates for graphics applications. Its portfolio includes self-adhesive colour films, signage vinyl, film for large-format printing, wrapping films, vehicle chevron kits, and overlaminates.
The firm employs around 185 people and has sales of approximately £65m. It was established in 1992.
Accounts for the year to 31 March 2024 show sales of £57.6m.
This latest UPM Raflatac buy follows last summer’s purchase of Belgium’s Grafityp.
Tim Kirchen executive vice president of UPM Raflatac, said the business had made a strategic decision to pursue growth both organically and through M&A. The Metamark buy brings synergies and makes UPM Raflatac a significant player in the fast-growing, high value-added graphics substrates segment.
“This acquisition marks an important milestone in our transformation journey accelerating our growth, enabling us to grow our scale and become a complete product and service provider in this attractive business,” he said.
“The combination of Metamark’s broad product portfolio with our existing sales and distribution network allows us to grow also outside of Europe. We warmly welcome our new colleagues and look forward to working together to serve our customers with an even stronger product portfolio.”
Former James Cropper CEO Phil Wild took over as CEO of Metamark a year ago.
He said the Metamark team was excited to become part of UPM Raflatac and commented: “This acquisition reflects the value of our market-led innovation, respected product portfolio, and ambitious plans for market and geographical growth.
“UPM brings the benefits of scale, resources, and a global presence, which will accelerate our shared vision for the graphics and allied markets.”
Metamark was the subject of an MBO in 2017, and Primary Capital took a majority stake in the business at that time.
UPM Graphics is a strategic self-adhesive business unit within UPM Raflatac. It was established following the acquisition of AMC and its graphics business in 2022.
UPM Raflatac had sales of nearly €1.5bn (£1.25bn) in 2023. The overall UPM Group had sales of €10.46bn.
