The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

AR Packaging has announced its acquisition of Firstan Holdings, including the Firstan Limited subsidiary, as it looks to strengthen its position in the UK.

The deal is said to broaden AR’s offering to UK food and healthcare customers through the addition of local folding carton production.

With a factory in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, Firstan Limited is a manufacturer of folding cartons, supplying the food and pharmaceutical sectors, among others.

Commenting on the acquisition, AR Packaging president and CEO Harald Schulz said: “This addition is of significant strategic importance to strengthen our position on the UK market.

“Together with our existing two plants in the UK, Firstan provides an excellent platform for further growth in this important and fast-moving market.”

Andrew Hartwig, former majority shareholder and managing director of Firstan Holdings, added: “Our strategically located and well invested facility will together with our skilled team add further capabilities to AR Packaging and we will together offer extended services to all UK customers.”

The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.