Flexographic printing is a versatile and efficient printing method widely used in the US to produce high-quality packaging and labels. It employs flexible relief plates to print on various substrates, making it ideal for intricate designs and large volumes. Companies in the industry range from small printers to major manufacturers, offering services such as custom packaging, label production, and promotional materials. The industry is increasingly leaning towards sustainability, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly inks and materials. Additionally, with advancements in digital printing technologies, flexographic printing is adapting to cater to fast-moving market demands and personalized printing needs.


The list below features notable investors in the flexographic printing industry across the United States. These include venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors, demonstrating a mix of strategies and capital approaches. Spanning notable financial centers like New York and San Francisco, the 17 investors, which vary in size from small firms to large organizations, collectively executed numerous deals in 2024. Founded from the late 1900s to the early 2000s, these firms have shaped the industry's investment landscape, reflecting a strong commitment to driving growth within this sector that thrives on innovation.


Top 17 Flexographic Printing Investors in the US


1. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions within the printing industry, including multiple rounds of debt financing for Emprint Moran Printing, Inc. from 2015 to 2019, which highlights their engagement in the printing sector. Additionally, they acquired a 50% interest in Astley Gilbert Limited, a company involved in digital printing and imaging solutions, further demonstrating their interest in the broader printing market.


2. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Notably, 500 Global has made investments in the printing sector, including Printivo, which raised funds in multiple seed rounds in 2017 and 2019, and Arka, which secured funding in a pre-seed round in 2015. These transactions highlight 500 Global's engagement with companies that operate within the printing industry, indicating their potential interest in flexographic printing technologies and innovations.


3. CCL Metal Science

  • Website: cclind.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Clinton, North Carolina, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ccl-metal-science

CCL Metal Science, a division of CCL Industries Inc., is a corporate investor based in Clinton, North Carolina, specializing in innovative packaging solutions across various markets, including Home & Personal Care, Food & Beverage, and Healthcare. Founded in 2019, CCL Industries has grown to employ approximately 26,000 people and operates 213 production facilities worldwide. The company has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the label manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Label Art, a leading PS label manufacturer in Ireland, and an in-mould label business in Spain. In 2024, CCL Industries also acquired Pacman, further expanding its portfolio in the label market. These transactions highlight CCL Metal Science's commitment to enhancing its label manufacturing capabilities, which are integral to the flexographic printing industry.


4. Ennis, Inc.

  • Website: ennis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Midlothian, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1909
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ennis-inc.

Ennis, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Midlothian, Texas, specializing in manufacturing and supplying a wide range of printed business products, including forms, checks, and promotional materials. Founded in 1909, Ennis operates over 55 locations across the U.S. and serves a vast network of distributors. The company has been actively expanding its footprint in the printing industry through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of The Flesh Co., which enhances their capabilities in the print industry, and EAGLE Graphics, which further diversifies their offerings. These acquisitions indicate Ennis's commitment to strengthening its position in the printing market, which may encompass flexographic printing solutions.


5. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside has built a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Among its notable transactions, Riverside acquired Hudson-Sharp Machine Company in 1998, a key player in the flexible packaging equipment sector, and Vitex Packaging Group, which also operates within the packaging industry. Additionally, Riverside's acquisition of Rutland Group and Promotional Specialists further showcases its strategy of investing in companies that align with the flexographic printing and packaging sectors, reinforcing its role as a significant investor in this space.


6. Northstar Capital

  • Website: northstarcapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: northstar-capital

Northstar Capital is an investment management firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializing in junior capital investments and equity co-investments for lower middle market companies. Founded in 1993, the firm has raised nearly $2 billion in capital and focuses on providing tailored financing solutions to financial sponsors, business owners, and management teams across various industries, including healthcare and consumer goods. Notably, Northstar Capital has been involved in transactions with companies relevant to the flexographic printing industry, such as Consolidated Label Co. and KDV Label Co. Inc., both of which operate within the label printing sector. These investments highlight Northstar's engagement in the flexographic printing market, further supporting their relevance as an investor in this field.


7. American Industrial Partners


American Industrial Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in operationally-oriented investments in industrial businesses. Founded in 2005, AIP focuses on enhancing the performance of its portfolio companies through strategic financial support and operational improvements. Among their notable transactions, AIP acquired Mark Andy Inc. in 2008, a prominent designer of narrow and mid-web flexographic equipment, indicating their strong presence in the flexographic printing industry. In 2015, they further expanded their portfolio by acquiring manroland Goss web systems, which also operates within the printing sector. Additionally, AIP's acquisition of Presstek Inc. in 2012, a company involved in the printing technology space, showcases their commitment to investing in businesses that align with the printing industry. Overall, AIP's strategic focus on enhancing industrial firms positions them as a key player in the flexographic printing market.


8. Atlas Holdings LLC


Atlas Holdings LLC is a private equity investment firm founded in 2002, based in the United States. The firm specializes in building and managing a diversified group of manufacturing and distribution businesses across various sectors. They focus on transforming underperforming companies into high-performance organizations. Notably, Atlas Holdings has made significant strides in the printing industry through its acquisitions of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, a major player in print services, and LSC Communications, which specializes in print and digital media solutions. These acquisitions highlight their commitment to the printing sector, which encompasses flexographic printing technologies. Additionally, their past investments in companies like Twin Rivers Paper Company and Finch Paper further demonstrate their engagement in industries that support printing operations. Overall, Atlas Holdings is positioned as a key investor in the printing landscape, including flexographic printing.


9. Sonoco

  • Website: sonoco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hartsville, South Carolina, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1899
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sonoco

Sonoco Products Company, founded in 1899 and based in Hartsville, South Carolina, is a leading packaging manufacturer that provides a wide range of consumer and industrial packaging solutions. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees and operations in multiple countries, Sonoco serves various industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, and personal care. The company focuses on innovative packaging solutions tailored to meet customer needs. In recent years, Sonoco has made significant acquisitions to enhance its flexible packaging capabilities, including the acquisition of Clear Lam Packaging for $170 million, which aimed to bolster its global flexible packaging and thermoforming plastics operations. Additionally, the acquisition of Plastic Packaging Inc. (PPI) was part of Sonoco's strategy to expand its flexible packaging capabilities, with PPI expected to generate approximately $42 million in sales. Most recently, Sonoco acquired Inapel Embalagens, a flexible packaging manufacturer in Brazil, further expanding its sustainable packaging portfolio. These transactions highlight Sonoco's commitment to the flexible packaging market, which is closely linked to flexographic printing technologies.


10. Platinum Equity

  • Website: platinumequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: platinum-equity

Platinum Equity is a private equity firm based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and operations management. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $48 billion in assets and has a portfolio of approximately 50 companies across various industries. Notably, Platinum Equity has made significant investments in the printing and packaging sectors, including the acquisition of Multi-Color Corporation for $2.5 billion, a leading provider of label solutions that utilizes flexographic printing technology. Additionally, they acquired WS Packaging Group, which also operates in the packaging industry, further demonstrating their commitment to investing in companies relevant to flexographic printing. Their approach combines capital investment with operational expertise to drive growth and profitability in their portfolio companies.


11. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on driving long-term value for institutional investors, Carlyle has made significant investments across various sectors. Notably, they acquired Signode Industrial Group in 2014, a company that specializes in packaging solutions, which often involves flexographic printing technology. In 2016, they took a minority stake in Logoplaste, a Portuguese producer of plastic packaging, further emphasizing their commitment to the packaging industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Altadia Group in 2021 reflects their ongoing strategy to invest in companies that align with their expertise in packaging and related sectors. These transactions highlight Carlyle's active role in industries that are relevant to flexographic printing, making them a noteworthy investor in this space.


12. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm based in New York, founded in 1998. It provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele. Notably, Goldman Sachs has made significant investments in the flexographic printing industry, including the acquisition of Flint Group, a leading printing-ink manufacturer, for over $3 billion in 2014. This acquisition aimed to support Flint's growth in the printed packaging market. Additionally, Goldman Sachs led a $25 million venture capital financing round for Mimeo, an online printing company, which highlights their commitment to expanding their portfolio in the printing sector. These transactions underscore Goldman Sachs' active role in the flexographic printing industry, aligning with their broader investment strategy.


13. Brady Corporation

  • Website: bradyid.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1914
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: brady-corporation

Brady Corporation is a Milwaukee-based manufacturer specializing in safety and identification solutions, founded in 1914. The company offers a wide range of products, including labels, signs, and safety devices, primarily serving businesses that require compliance with safety regulations. Brady operates globally, providing both products and software solutions to enhance workplace safety and efficiency. Notably, Brady has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the printing sector. For instance, the acquisition of Stickolor Indústria e Comércio de Auto Adesivos in 2009 strengthened their position in the industrial identification market and enhanced their screen printing capabilities. This move is particularly relevant to flexographic printing, as it indicates an expansion into complementary printing technologies. Additionally, their acquisition of Magicard Limited in 2021 added rigid card printing and encoding capabilities, further diversifying their printing solutions. These transactions highlight Brady's commitment to enhancing its printing capabilities, making it a significant player in the flexographic printing landscape.


14. Morgan Stanley

  • Website: morganstanley.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 79
  • LinkedIn: morgan-stanley

Morgan Stanley is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the firm provides a wide range of services including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley has a global presence and leverages its expertise to offer tailored financial solutions to individuals, families, corporations, and governments. Notably, they have participated in significant transactions within the flexographic printing context, such as the investment in AWT Labels & Packaging, which raised funds in a private equity round, and Fedrigoni, which secured substantial debt financing. These transactions highlight Morgan Stanley's engagement in the printing and packaging industry, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in the flexographic printing sector.


15. CORE Industrial Partners

  • Website: coreipfund.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: coreipfund

CORE Industrial Partners is a private equity firm based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in capital investment and operational support for lower middle market businesses in manufacturing, industrial technology, and industrial services. Founded in 2016, the firm partners with business owners to implement growth strategies and optimize operations, leveraging their extensive experience to create long-term value. Recently, CORE Industrial Partners made a significant investment in General Converting, a provider of folding cartons for food and consumer products, which highlights their engagement in the packaging sector relevant to flexographic printing. Additionally, they have been involved in the acquisition of FATHOM, a digital manufacturing company, which further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing operational capabilities in manufacturing sectors that may intersect with flexographic printing.


16. Apollo Global Management, Inc.

  • Website: apollo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 46
  • LinkedIn: apollo-global-management-inc

Apollo Global Management, Inc. is an asset management firm founded in 1990, based in New York, specializing in alternative assets and retirement solutions. The firm manages a diverse portfolio across credit, private equity, and real assets, serving a wide range of institutional investors, corporations, and individual clients. Notably, Apollo has made significant investments in companies relevant to the flexographic printing industry, including the acquisition of Novolex Holdings LLC, which is involved in packaging solutions that often employ flexographic printing technology. Additionally, their acquisition of Shutterfly, Inc. and their investment in Cimpress, a company that provides mass customization and web-to-print services, further demonstrate their engagement with businesses that utilize various printing technologies. These transactions highlight Apollo's strategic interest in sectors that intersect with flexographic printing, making them a noteworthy investor in this space.


17. Dover Corporation

  • Website: dovercorporation.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Downers Grove, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1955
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: dovercorp

Dover Corporation is an industrial manufacturer and solutions provider based in Downers Grove, Illinois, founded in 1955. The company delivers innovative equipment, components, and digital solutions across various sectors, with a strong focus on engineered products, clean energy, and sustainability technologies. Dover has made significant strides in the printing industry through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2015, Dover acquired JK Group, a leader in innovative inks, for 346.5 million euros, enhancing its MS Solutions equipment business and expanding its footprint in the digital textile printing market. In 2017, Dover further solidified its position in the printing sector by acquiring Caldera Graphics SAS, a company specializing in software for the digital printing industry, for approximately EUR 35 million. These acquisitions reflect Dover's commitment to advancing its capabilities in printing technologies, including flexographic printing, making it a key player in this industry.



Flexographic Printing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
CCL Metal ScienceClinton, North Carolina, United States (USA)201-50020191
Ennis, Inc.Midlothian, Texas, United States (USA)5001-1000019091
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
Northstar CapitalMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)11-5019931
American Industrial PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020058
Atlas Holdings LLCUnited States (USA)11-5020023
SonocoHartsville, South Carolina, United States (USA)10001+18992
Platinum EquityBeverly Hills, California, United States (USA)201-500199520
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Brady CorporationMilwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (USA)5001-1000019141
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679
CORE Industrial PartnersChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)11-5020163
Apollo Global Management, Inc.New York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000199046
Dover CorporationDowners Grove, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+19553


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