The metal packaging industry in Europe includes manufacturers and suppliers specializing in metal containers, closures, and packaging materials. Companies within this sector focus on sectors like food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, aiming to deliver sustainable and innovative solutions. Recent growth trends emphasize the shift towards sustainability and recyclable materials, aligning with consumers' environmentally-conscious demands. This pivot not only minimizes waste but also optimizes resource efficiency. As demand continues, the industry is expected to invest in advanced technologies and materials to enhance production capabilities, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability and a circular economy.


The list of investors showcases a mix of corporate and private equity firms, strategically investing in the metal packaging sector from various European locations. Among them, notable players include CVC from Luxembourg and Amcor based in Zurich, presenting considerable assets and deal counts in 2024. Founded between 1945 and 2007, these firms vary in size, with many employing over 1,000 professionals. With 18 investors totaling investments in multiple packaging companies, this portfolio highlights the growing interest and robust capital flow within this thriving industry.


Top 18 Metal Packaging Investors in Europe


1. 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 UK and Ireland is a corporate investor based in London, England, and is part of Bunzl Public Limited Company, a distribution and outsourcing company founded in 1854. The company specializes in providing essential items necessary for businesses to operate across various industries. In recent years, Bunzl has actively expanded its footprint in the packaging sector through several acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Sistemas De Embalaje Anper, a distributor of industrial packaging in Spain, and Holland Packaging, which focuses on customized packaging products in the Netherlands. These transactions, along with their acquisition of Tecnopacking, a company involved in packaging solutions, highlight Bunzl's strategic interest in enhancing their packaging offerings, potentially including metal packaging solutions. Their acquisitions reflect a commitment to growth in the packaging market, making them a significant player in this space.


2. 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 providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the packaging industry, including the acquisition of Færch Plast A/S, a leader in rigid plastic packaging for ready meals and protein food trays. This transaction, announced in early 2014, highlights EQT's strategic interest in the packaging sector. Additionally, EQT's involvement with companies like GPA Global and va-Q-tec demonstrates its active engagement in sectors related to packaging and logistics, further supporting its relevance in the broader packaging landscape.


3. 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 an industrial group that specializes in developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial solutions. 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. Notably, Indutrade has made significant acquisitions in the metal packaging sector, including Verbeeck Packaging NV in December 2014, which enhances its portfolio in this industry. Other acquisitions, such as BL Products AB and Beldam Crossley, further demonstrate Indutrade's strategy of expanding its reach in industrial markets, including those related to packaging solutions.


4. 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 investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in the packaging industry, acquiring AR Packaging, which reported sales of approximately €560 million in 2015, indicating a strong presence in the metal packaging sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Anchor Glass Container for over $1 billion further demonstrates their commitment to the packaging industry, although it is primarily glass-focused. CVC's involvement in various funding rounds, including their investment in Reath, a startup focused on reusable packaging, showcases their interest in innovative packaging solutions, reinforcing their relevance in the broader packaging landscape.


5. 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 for various 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 been active in expanding its capabilities through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Nampak Flexible in 2015, which enhances their flexible packaging offerings. In 2016, they acquired Sonoco, further broadening their packaging portfolio. More recently, in 2023, Amcor announced the acquisition of Phoenix Flexibles in India, which aims to enhance their production capabilities in sustainable packaging solutions. These transactions indicate Amcor's commitment to expanding its reach in the packaging industry, including potential interests in metal packaging solutions.


6. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, EIB has been involved in significant transactions within the packaging industry, such as a EUR 435 million loan to Stora Enso to support its growth in renewable, fiber-based consumer packaging board, which is part of a larger investment in sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, EIB participated in a €40 million Series B funding round for Packhelp, a custom and sustainable packaging marketplace, indicating its commitment to supporting innovative packaging solutions. These transactions highlight EIB's active role in financing projects that are relevant to the metal packaging sector.


7. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, Crédit Mutuel Equity has been involved in several transactions relevant to the metal packaging industry, including investments in Emballages RÉUNIS, a company focused on packaging solutions, and Verpack, which also operates within the packaging sector. These transactions highlight their engagement in the metal packaging market, showcasing their ability to support growth and transformation in this industry.


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 Group has been involved in several transactions within the packaging industry, including the acquisition of a majority stake in Weener Plastic Packaging Group for €250 million in 2015, aimed at accelerating growth through further acquisitions and expansion. Additionally, they acquired a majority stake in Geka, a packaging manufacturer for the cosmetic industry, for approximately €120 million in 2012, with plans for expansion into South America and Asia. These transactions highlight 3i Group's active role in the packaging sector, which may encompass metal packaging as part of their broader investment strategy.


9. 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 sectors such as Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has been involved in several acquisitions relevant to the metal packaging industry, including the acquisition of Pinard Emballages S.A.S. in June 2017, which is known for its packaging solutions. Additionally, they acquired Optimum Group in February 2018, further indicating their engagement in the packaging sector. By partnering with management teams, IK Partners aims to enhance growth and create long-term value for their portfolio companies, including those in the metal packaging space.


10. 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 founded in 1996, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds, focusing on sustainable finance and creating lasting value. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the packaging sector, including the acquisition of Bruni Glass in 2012, which operates in the packaging industry, and a minority stake in Nutripack Group in 2019, a company that specializes in food packaging. These transactions highlight Ardian's involvement in the packaging market, suggesting a potential interest in various packaging formats, including metal packaging.


11. Equistone Partners Europe


Equistone Partners Europe is a private equity investment firm based in London, UK, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in management buyouts and growth capital for mid-market companies across Europe, aiming for long-term growth and impressive returns for their investors. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Allied Glass Containers in 2010, which, while primarily focused on glass, indicates their engagement in the packaging sector. They also acquired Ratioform Verpackungen GmbH in 2006, a company that specializes in packaging solutions, further demonstrating their interest in the packaging industry. Other acquisitions, such as Coventya and Bulgin, showcase their diverse investment strategy, but their involvement in packaging-related companies suggests a potential interest in the metal packaging sector as well.


12. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, the firm offers a range of services including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital serves a diverse clientele, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau Capital acquired a 25% stake in Brandart Spa, a sustainable packaging solutions provider, in September 2023, which achieved a turnover of Euro 215 million in 2022. This investment highlights their commitment to the packaging sector, particularly in sustainable solutions. Additionally, they have been involved in other transactions such as funding rounds for companies like Ecopol and Addev Materials, which may also relate to packaging solutions, further indicating their active role in this industry.


13. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the packaging sector, including the acquisition of Bormioli Pharma, a prominent manufacturer of pharma primary packaging, and a stake in All4Labels - Global Packaging Group, which is involved in various packaging solutions. These transactions highlight Triton's strategic interest in the packaging industry, including potential applications in metal packaging.


14. Head of Data Technology Office at Intesa Sanpaolo


The Head of Data Technology Office at Intesa Sanpaolo is part of a prominent banking and financial services provider based in Turin, Italy. Founded in 2007, Intesa Sanpaolo offers a wide range of financial products, including loans and investment management services, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. In 2024, the office has been active in various investment transactions, including significant debt financing for companies in the metal packaging sector. Notable transactions include Tecnocap, which raised approximately $9.2 million, and Goglio Group, which secured around $49.5 million. These investments highlight the office's strategic interest in supporting businesses within the metal packaging industry, alongside their broader financial services.


15. Capvis AG

  • Website: capvis.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: capvis

Capvis AG is a private equity firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1990. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including healthcare and industrial technology. Capvis partners with institutional investors, such as pension funds, to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities. The firm focuses on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis acquired Soudronic in 2001, a company known for its metal packaging solutions, which highlights their involvement in the metal packaging industry. Additionally, Capvis has made several other acquisitions, including Polytec Holding and Brooks Automation, but Soudronic remains the most relevant transaction in the context of metal packaging.


16. Katapult

  • Website: katapult.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. The firm focuses on tech startups that address global challenges, particularly in sectors like climate-tech and ocean-tech. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Notably, they have invested in Metalchemy, which raised funds for its operations in the metal sector, and Better Packaging Co., which is involved in sustainable packaging solutions. These transactions highlight Katapult's interest in the packaging industry, particularly in innovative and sustainable approaches, aligning with their mission to support impactful startups.


17. Maven Capital Partners

  • Website: mavencp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: maven-cp

Maven Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Glasgow, Scotland, specializing in providing growth capital and investment solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors. Founded in 2009, the firm focuses on management buyouts and property development, helping clients unlock their potential and achieve significant growth. Maven serves a diverse range of industries, including technology and healthcare. Notably, they have invested in iPac Packaging Innovations, providing a GBP450,000 debt funding package to support the company's facility expansion, which is directly relevant to the metal packaging industry. Additionally, they have engaged in various other transactions, such as funding for Kelpi and Plyable, although these are not directly related to metal packaging. Their investment in John McGavigan, a company that may have connections to packaging, further illustrates their diverse investment portfolio.


18. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, that specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Among their notable transactions, LDC acquired Coppice Alupack in 2003, a company involved in metal packaging, highlighting their interest in this sector. Additionally, they have invested in Paragon Print & Packaging Group, which, while primarily focused on print, operates within the broader packaging industry. LDC's investment strategy includes backing management buy-outs and supporting companies in their growth ambitions, making them a significant player in the investment landscape for metal packaging and related industries.



Metal Packaging Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bunzl UK and IrelandLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500018545
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
AmcorZurich, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18640
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
IK PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500198914
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Equistone Partners EuropeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019791
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Head of Data Technology Office at Intesa SanpaoloTurin, Piedmont, Italy10001+200731
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
Maven Capital PartnersGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)51-200200925
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115


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