VGP now has 12 sites

Van Genechten strengthens UK presence with CartonCare group deal

12 December 2023

Companies & suppliers

(L-R) CartonCare Group MD Joanna Calixto, VGP general counsel Steven De Jonghe, CEO Frank Ohle and CFO Danny Goris, and MSO Cleland FD Glenda Gilpin. Image: VGP

Independent European packaging specialist Van Genechten Packaging (VGP) has acquired 100% of its UK joint venture with printing and packaging specialist CartonCare Group.

VGP said the deal, which was announced at the end of last week, strengthens its position in the UK market, providing enhanced value to customers through expanded design and production capabilities.

The Belgian printing group, which is located in Turnhout and has an annual revenue of around €450m (£387m), had initially entered a 50:50 joint venture partnership with CartonCare Group a year ago.

CartonCare Group consists of MSO Cleland – the oldest and largest company in the group, with over 145 years of experience in the printed packaging industry; CartonCare; and Pendragon Presentation Packaging.

From their bases in Belfast and Newry in Northern Ireland, CartonCare and MSO make folding cartons and labels for the food, pharmaceutical, and premium markets throughout the UK and Ireland.

Meanwhile, from its premises in Malvern, Pendragon Presentation Packaging offers services including the design and production of luxury hand-finished packaging such as rigid presentation boxes, hand-finished bags, and envelopes.

The group has invested more than £6.5m in new equipment in the last few years, including Heidelberg and Bobst kit at MSO Cleland in 2020, and its three businesses have a combined annual turnover of €30m.

The acquisition of the CartonCare Group brings the number of VGP sites to a total of 12 locations in nine countries.

Frank Ohle, CEO of Van Genechten Packaging Group, said: “By integrating CartonCare Group in the VGP family, we strengthen our position in the UK market.

“Their wide customer base in general and premium packaging enables us to bring even greater value to our customers, with expanded design and production capabilities. Together, we can grow and prosper in the UK and EU market of folding carton.”

The operational team at CartonCare Group will remain in place and managing director Joanna Calixto keeps her control over the day-to-day business.

She commented: “Guided by the resources and expertise of VGP, we are even better equipped to innovate, create, and deliver the best sustainable packaging for our customers. We’re looking forward to a bright and exciting future, together with all our partners and customers.”