SK Capital Partners, LP, a private investment firm focused on the specialty materials, chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors, has completed its previously announced acquisition of IPACKCHEM Group SAS (IPACKCHEM), a specialist in sustainability-oriented barrier packaging.
Founded in 1987 by Jean-Philippe Morvan as a division of Air Products Group, IPACKCHEM is a leading global supplier of innovative and specialised barrier packaging solutions. IPACKCHEM’s leading market positions in the Crop Protection and Specialty Chemical markets are further underscored by its commitment to providing 100 per cent recyclable plastic barrier packaging. IPACKCHEM is headquartered in Paris, with global operations spanning seven countries and four continents.
IPACKCHEM represents SK’s second investment in the packaging sector. Stephen D’Incelli, Managing Director at SK Capital, says: “The transaction is a testament to SK’s ability to leverage our global platform to identify leading materials technologies businesses with immense commercial applications. We believe IPACKCHEM is a highly differentiated and sustainability-advantaged business with significant growth potential. We’ve been tremendously impressed by Jean-Philippe and the entire IPACKCHEM management team and we are excited to partner with them to execute our shared strategic objectives.”
Jean-Philippe Morvan, CEO of IPACKCHEM, notes: “We are delighted to partner with SK Capital as we embark on our next phase of growth. We believe their specialty chemicals expertise, functional and operating resources and extensive M&A capabilities will be instrumental in building on our existing strong market positions. Our common ambition is to accelerate organic and acquisitive growth and develop IPACKCHEM into the leading global barrier packaging player for Crop Protection and select Specialty Chemical markets.”
IPACKCHEM’s Board of Directors includes several highly experienced executives, including Rob Tiede, the former CEO of Sonoco Products, Dave Mezzanotte, SK Capital Senior Director and former Chairman and CEO of Coveris, and George Gregory, SK Capital Senior Director and former CEO of Kraton Polymers.
Rob Tiede, former CEO of Sonoco Products, says: “IPACKCHEM is at the forefront of addressing many of today’s macroeconomic and socioeconomic issues. The Company’s highly specialized packaging products are of extremely high quality, enabling the safe handling and shipping of highly regulated Crop Protection chemicals that allow farmers to feed the world‘s growing population, and are 100 per cent recyclable, helping to address environmental issues.”
Dave Mezzanotte, Senior Director at SK Capital, adds: “IPACKCHEM is a global market leader with a technology differentiation that drives cost and sustainability benefits for customers. We see several actionable opportunities to further expand the Company’s addressable markets and to continue providing customers with high-quality and innovative products, as well as best-in-class service, globally.”
Acquisition financing was provided by Alcentra Ltd, Rothschild & Co served as M&A and financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal counsel to SK Capital.
