The pharmaceutical packaging industry in Europe focuses on providing solutions that ensure drug safety and efficacy. Companies range from specialized packaging manufacturers to innovative technology providers. They offer products like blister packs, sterile containers, and eco-friendly materials. As sustainability takes center stage, there is a notable shift towards using recyclable and biodegradable materials. Additionally, advancements in smart packaging technology are improving drug traceability and patient compliance. This dynamic industry is poised for growth, driven by increasing pharmaceutical research and the demand for robust and regulatory-compliant packaging solutions.


This list features a mix of corporate, venture capital, and private equity investors based across Europe. Active deal counts in 2024 varied, with notable firms such as the European Investment Bank and Bpifrance participating in numerous investments. Headquarters range from bustling cities in France to financial hubs in the UK, reflecting a broad geographic interest. These investors include both large entities with thousands of employees and smaller firms that focus on targeted niches. Founded in the mid-20th century, they show a commitment to the evolving pharmaceutical packaging landscape.


Top 17 Pharmaceutical Packaging Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. In 2024, the EIC has made 57 investments, focusing on fostering innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has provided grant funding to companies like Paptic, a Finnish packaging company that is developing sustainable packaging solutions. Paptic received a grant from the EIC to accelerate its growth and aims to be carbon-neutral by 2030. This involvement in funding innovative packaging technologies highlights the EIC's role in supporting advancements that can benefit the pharmaceutical packaging industry. Other companies funded by the EIC, such as RAIKU, also indicate a broader interest in innovative solutions that could intersect with pharmaceutical packaging needs.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the pharmaceutical packaging industry, such as their investment in Coqli, which raised 650,000 euros to support its development in custom cardboard packaging. Additionally, they contributed to the funding of ABC Transfer, a manufacturer of secure Rapid Transfer Systems for the biopharmaceutical industry, showcasing their engagement in sectors that intersect with pharmaceutical packaging.


3. Novo Holdings

  • Website: novoholdings.dk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: novo-a-s

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, focused on managing the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Founded in 1999, it invests in life science companies at various stages of development, providing capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. In recent years, Novo Holdings has made several notable acquisitions in the pharmaceutical sector, including:1. **Catalent Pharma Solutions**: In February 2024, Novo Holdings announced the acquisition of Catalent for $16.5 billion, which includes a significant focus on manufacturing sites that will produce Novo's GLP-1 drugs. This acquisition highlights their strategic interest in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging space.2. **The Ritedose Corporation**: Acquired in January 2022, this sterile pharmaceutical manufacturer aims to enhance capabilities in bringing life-saving drugs to market, which includes critical packaging processes.3. **Single Use Support**: Acquired in May 2024, this company likely contributes to the packaging solutions needed for single-use pharmaceutical products.These transactions illustrate Novo Holdings' active role in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in areas that intersect with pharmaceutical packaging, making them a significant player in this field.


4. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. In recent years, Almi has participated in various funding rounds, including investments in healthcare-related startups such as Amferia, which develops innovative wound care dressings. Their investment in Amferia, which raised €1.37 million to launch a product that combats infections, highlights their engagement in the medical sector. Additionally, Almi's involvement in other transactions, such as those with GAIA BioMaterials and Hoting Innovations, indicates a broader interest in supporting companies that may intersect with pharmaceutical packaging needs.


5. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. The EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions, the EIB has supported Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries with debt financing, which is directly relevant to the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, the EIB has invested in Stora Enso, providing a €435 million loan to support the company's growth in renewable, fiber-based consumer packaging board, which aligns with sustainable packaging initiatives that can benefit the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, the EIB's participation in the Series B funding round for Packhelp, a custom and sustainable packaging marketplace, highlights its interest in innovative packaging solutions that could extend to pharmaceutical applications.


6. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. The firm has made significant investments in the pharmaceutical packaging context, including the acquisition of SHL Medical, a Swiss drug delivery provider, and Fertin Pharma, a Danish manufacturer of medicated chewing gum. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of va-Q-tec, which focuses on temperature-controlled packaging solutions, highlights their commitment to the pharmaceutical packaging industry. These strategic investments demonstrate EQT's capability and interest in enhancing the pharmaceutical supply chain through innovative packaging solutions.


7. Bunzl UK and Ireland

  • Website: bunzl.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1854
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bunzl

Bunzl Public Limited Company is a distribution and outsourcing company founded in 1854, headquartered in London, England. The company specializes in providing essential items necessary for businesses to operate across various industries, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Bunzl has a strong focus on tailored solutions and operates globally, leveraging an extensive distribution network. In recent years, Bunzl has made several strategic acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in the packaging sector. Notably, in 2024, Bunzl acquired Sistemas De Embalaje Anper, a distributor of industrial packaging in Spain, and Holland Packaging, which focuses on customized packaging products in the Netherlands. Furthermore, Bunzl's acquisition of RCL Implantes, a Brazilian distributor of surgical and medical devices, underscores its commitment to the healthcare market, including pharmaceutical packaging. These transactions highlight Bunzl's active role in the pharmaceutical packaging industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.


8. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made significant investments in the packaging sector, including the acquisition of Weener Plastic Packaging Group, a German plastic packaging producer, for €250 million in 2015, aimed at accelerating growth through further acquisitions and expansion. Additionally, their acquisition of Alpharma's Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients business for approximately US$395 million in 2008 highlights their involvement in the pharmaceutical industry, which is closely linked to pharmaceutical packaging. These transactions demonstrate 3i Group's commitment to the packaging and pharmaceutical sectors, reinforcing their position as a relevant investor in pharmaceutical packaging.


9. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, CVC acquired AR Packaging, a key player in the packaging industry, and DFE Pharma, a leading global excipients manufacturer for the pharmaceutical sector. These investments reflect CVC's strategic interest in the pharmaceutical packaging market, showcasing their capability to enhance value in this sector.


10. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has made significant investments in the pharmaceutical packaging industry, including the acquisition of Technoflex, a company known for its packaging solutions tailored for pharmaceuticals. They have also participated in funding rounds for other relevant companies such as Emballages RÉUNIS and Verpack, which further solidifies their commitment to the pharmaceutical packaging sector. Their clientele includes business leaders seeking to enhance operations and navigate market challenges, showcasing their role as a strategic partner in the growth and transformation of companies within this industry.


11. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of the Indutrade group, which focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various industrial sectors. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Verbeeck Packaging NV in December 2014, which is directly involved in packaging solutions, and the acquisition of Tecno Plast in January 2021, a company specializing in single-use tubing sets and hoses, which are critical components in pharmaceutical packaging. These strategic acquisitions highlight Indutrade's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in the pharmaceutical packaging sector.


12. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the pharmaceutical sector, including the acquisition of Unither Pharmaceuticals for approximately $714 million in 2016, which specializes in pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging. Additionally, Ardian acquired Synerlab, a company involved in pharmaceutical services, and Ionisos, a leader in cold sterilization services, further emphasizing their strategic interest in the pharmaceutical supply chain. These transactions highlight Ardian's active role in the pharmaceutical packaging industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


13. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is an investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, Eurazeo has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, focusing on tailored investment strategies that promote growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Among its notable transactions, Eurazeo has invested in Albéa Group, a prominent player in the packaging industry, which includes pharmaceutical packaging solutions. This investment highlights Eurazeo's commitment to sectors that intersect with healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Other transactions include investments in companies like Weishardt, Seqens, and Reborn, which, while not directly related to pharmaceutical packaging, demonstrate Eurazeo's broad investment strategy within the healthcare and related industries.


14. Amcor

  • Website: amcor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1864
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: amcor

Amcor is a leading packaging manufacturer founded in 1864, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The company specializes in providing innovative and responsible packaging solutions across multiple industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care. Amcor is committed to sustainability, aiming to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. In recent years, Amcor has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in flexible packaging, which is crucial for the pharmaceutical sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Phoenix Flexibles in 2023, aimed at expanding their production capabilities in high-growth markets, and the acquisition of Nampak Flexible in 2015, which further solidified their position in flexible packaging. These transactions reflect Amcor's strategy to enhance its product offerings and capacity, making them a relevant player in the pharmaceutical packaging industry.


15. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions within the pharmaceutical space, including significant investments in Medherant, a clinical-stage company developing a testosterone transdermal patch for post-menopausal women. Mercia led a funding round for Medherant in April 2023, contributing £2.9 million to advance its clinical development. Additionally, they have participated in earlier funding rounds for Medherant, including a Series A round in 2019 and a Seed round in 2016. Their investment in Abingdon Health, a rapid diagnostics company, further demonstrates their engagement in the healthcare sector, as the company focuses on fulfilling new contracts and investing in equipment and processes that may relate to pharmaceutical packaging. Overall, Mercia Asset Management's diverse portfolio and active participation in the pharmaceutical industry position them as a relevant investor in the pharmaceutical packaging space.


16. Azelis

  • Website: azelis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: azelis

Azelis is a specialty chemical distributor and innovation service provider based in Antwerp, Belgium, founded in 2001. They cater to over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial markets. Azelis focuses on delivering high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to specific market needs. Notably, they have made strategic acquisitions to enhance their presence in the life sciences sector, such as the acquisition of Megafarma, a Mexican specialty distributor for the pharma, food, and veterinary industries, which strengthens their capabilities in the pharmaceutical market. Additionally, their acquisition of YDS Chemicals NV and Chemical Solutions Sdn Bhd demonstrates their commitment to expanding their portfolio in sectors that may intersect with pharmaceutical packaging, further solidifying their relevance in this industry.


17. IK Partners

  • Website: ikpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: ik-investment-partners

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to the pharmaceutical packaging industry, such as the acquisition of Pinard Emballages S.A.S. in June 2017, which is directly related to packaging solutions. Additionally, they participated in a consortium that acquired Unither Pharmaceuticals in October 2022, further demonstrating their engagement in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. By partnering with management teams, IK Partners aims to enhance growth and create long-term value for their portfolio companies, including those in the pharmaceutical packaging space.



Pharmaceutical Packaging Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Bunzl UK and IrelandLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500018545
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
AmcorZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18640
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
IK PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500198914


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