30 November 2015

Glossop Cartons announces the acquisition of Contact Print and Packaging

Glossop Cartons, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of carton board packaging solutions, has announced the acquisition of Stockport-based Contact Print and Packaging for an undisclosed sum. The deal, which was officially completed on 23^rd November, will see Glossop Cartons move from its current site in Padfield, Derbyshire to Contact Print and Packaging's facility in Stockport, Cheshire, by the end of 2015.

The move will ensure that Glossop Cartons will enjoy improved transport links and benefit from much larger premises with a superior layout, allowing the business to fully-exploit both its conventional and digital packaging capabilities to UK and global brands, and further enhance its reputation for industry excellence. All employees of Glossop Cartons will be relocating if agreeable and remain with the company.

Glossop Cartons Sales Director Jacky Sidebottom-Every comments: "Contact Print's reputation as a leading specialist in packaging is unrivalled, and its new state-of-the-art production facilities are well recognised by its clients within the food, pharmaceutical, beverage and gifting sectors. The move will allow Glossop to significantly enhance our digital suite and ensure that we're in a stronger position to offer unique products and unparalleled production capabilities."

Jacky adds: "Contact Print and Packaging has BRC and Pharmaceutical accreditation along with ISO 9001 and Glossop Cartons has ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001. Together, we'll have the required standards to produce packaging for all sectors with confidence and with the ethical standards to back up our manufacturing processes going forward. Glossop Cartons is committed to raising standards and firm believers in the British standard system - with the crown and tick logo, clients old and new will have confidence in their supplier ethos and capabilities."

The deal was backed by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, which provided a loan to support the purchase of Contact Print and Packaging's premises. The bank's Commercial Finance team also provided an asset finance facility to enable Glossop Cartons to purchase the printing machinery used at the site.

Chris Perkins, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking said: "The acquisition of Contact Print and Packaging allows Glossop Cartons to further enhance the services it offers whilst significantly increasing its productivity, cementing its position as a market leader in the packaging industry.

"We are committed to supporting ambitious businesses like this with the funding they need to realise their growth plans and purchase the equipment they need to increase productivity without affecting day-to-day cashflow."

Established in 1992, Contact Print and Packaging employs 54 people at the Stockport site, which boasts three purpose-built production and warehouse units complete with an impressive artwork studio, using the latest digital workflow technologies.

Says Jacky Sidebottom-Every: "Glossop Cartons' commitment to continually invest in new technology has been at the forefront of our growth for many years, and now with the digital machines in our new suite, our reputation has strengthened and our capabilities extended.

"Glossop Cartons is grateful to the management of Contact Print and Packaging and Phil Smith for the smooth negotiation with the deal and we look forward to working with the strong team of employees at the Stockport site. With the acquisition and merger with Contact Print and its enviable assets, we feel that the company is now in a strong position to take packaging both conventional and digital to the next level and we're very excited to see what the future holds."

Legal advice was provided by Sonio Singh and Shiva Shadi of Davis Blank Furniss who advised Glossop Cartons, and Contact Print were instructed by Tony Harper and Robert Street of Brabners LLP.

For more information about Glossop Cartons, visit www.glossopcartons.com