Oak Hill completes billion dollar deal to acquire Berlin Packaging

Investcorp acquired a majority stake in Berlin Packaging in 2007 and since then the company has delivered strong revenue and profit growth. During its period of ownership, Investcorp supported Berlin Packaging's robust organic growth with several strategic add-on acquisitions that included All-Pak and Continental Packaging Solutions in 2010 as well as Lerman Container and United States Container Corporation in 2012. These acquisitions strengthened Berlin Packaging's reach and operational capabilities, Investcorp said.

Oak Hill has acquired the company in partnership with Berlin Packaging’s current management team, led by chairman and chief executive officer Andrew Berlin, who retains a significant ownership position. Berlin and the rest of the current management team will continue to manage the business.

Berlin Packaging is a supplier of rigid packaging products, such as pails, drums, thermoformed trays, and bottles and jars, as well as tubes and flexible pouches. Berlin Packaging also offers structural and brand design, global sourcing, warehousing and logistics, and capital financing.

Tyler Wolfram, managing partner at Oak Hill, said: ‘We are delighted to have completed this acquisition. The investment in Berlin Packaging is representative of Oak Hill’s theme-based investment strategy and specifically aligns with one of our core themes targeting industry-leading, value-added strategic suppliers.

‘Berlin Packaging is a best-in-class business in a very attractive market with significant growth avenues. We are excited to execute Berlin Packaging’s strategy in partnership with Andrew and his outstanding team.’

Andrew Berlin said: ‘The Berlin Packaging team is highly enthusiastic to take our business to the next level. Berlin Packaging’s customers, suppliers, and employees alike can look forward to new opportunities and enhanced growth. Importantly, as we pursue these opportunities, it’s business as usual. This means we will continue to offer the same outstanding products, solutions, and service levels, and there will be no changes to the team our customers and suppliers work with. Our new partnership with Oak Hill will create wins for all of the company’s stakeholders.’

Mohammed Al Shroogi, president of Gulf business at Investcorp, said: ‘Andrew and his entire team have done an outstanding job of building a market leading company with a highly differentiated business model and a track record of strong financial performance. Over the course of our partnership, Berlin Packaging improved its profitability, delivered strong organic growth, and executed several strategic add-on acquisitions.

‘We are proud of what we accomplished with the Berlin Packaging team and remain focused on the identification of high quality investment opportunities with the potential to add value to our client base.’

Andrew Berlin added: ‘We have enjoyed our partnership with Investcorp and greatly appreciate its support over the last seven years. Investcorp's resources and expertise have been invaluable to our business and I will always be grateful for its contributions, as well as its investors, for their commitment and friendship.’