William Blair acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Automated Packaging Systems (APS) in its pending sale to Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE:SEE) for $510 million in cash, on a cash-free and debt-free basis. The transaction is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2019, subject to applicable regulatory reviews and customary closing conditions. APS broadens Sealed Air’s product portfolio, automation offering, and technical services to drive growth in e-commerce, fulfillment, and food packaging markets. In 2018, APS generated $290 million in sales, an increase of approximately 10% year-over-year.
The pending transaction represents William Blair’s fourth packaging-related deal in 2019 and 15th since 2017, as well as its eighth protective packaging transaction since 2014. William Blair’s packaging franchise has completed over 85 transactions with a broad range of expertise and knowledge across multiple end-markets and packaging substrates.
About the Companies
Automated Packaging Systems has been designing and manufacturing original Autobag®, AirPouch®, and SidePouch® systems and products for over 50 years. With more than 30,000 packaging systems in operation and a worldwide service organization, APS has the experience and support to deliver the ultimate in customer satisfaction. APS offers a complete line of baggers, void-fill and protective packaging systems, stretch sleeve labels, thermal transfer imprinters, counters, scales, and specialty packaging materials.
Sealed Air partners with customers to solve their most critical packaging challenges with innovative solutions that leave our world, environment, and communities better than we found them. Sealed Air’s portfolio of widely recognized brands includes Cryovac® food packaging and Bubble Wrap® protective packaging, which respectively enable a safer, more efficient food supply chain and protect valuable goods shipped around the world. Sealed Air generated $4.7 billion in sales in 2018 and has approximately 15,500 employees who serve customers in 123 countries.
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