Although the prevalence of mergers and acquisitions has slowed in the label and package printing industry, there are still a substantial number of closings on a regular basis. According to Blaige & Company, 2021 was a banner year for acquisitions – as 45 were reported.

However, the activity slowed somewhat in 2022 – and that pace has continued today. Interest and inflation have played a pivotal role in the volume of acquisitions, but M&A activity is still a major player in this industry.

The label converting business lends itself to M&A activity, as 74% of acquisitions involve companies valued at less than $50 million. With a strong number of the more than 2,000 label converting businesses in this country falling into that category, this is still a space for robust movement now and in the future.

“Private equity has created a consolidation in the label sector of some of the most recognizable brands,” explains Paul Teachout, technical marketing specialist, Harper Corporation of America. “Label printers will continue to be a prime target as we check off all the boxes, recurring revenue, brand loyalty, de minimis related benefits and asset continuity. The most attractive converters will have shown good investment in their company, a millennial workforce, and a consistent growth rate. On average we have seen almost 40 acquisitions a year for the past decade, and at this rate we can go another 30 years before we run out of opportunities. This trend shows no sign of slowing anytime soon.”

According to Clairvest, the best label companies are growing at 2-3 times GDP rates. And Blaige adds that 72% of the top 50 North American label companies from 2001 have been eliminated or sold over the last 20 years, as opposed to 52% 10 years earlier.

“M&A has impacted the label landscape by driving consolidation across the value chain,” adds Corey Reardon, president and CEO, AWA Alexander Watson Associates. “The industry has been consolidated through M&A on raw materials, coating and laminating, label printing and converting, and even on the machine/hardware and brand sides of the value chain. There is evidence that this consolidation has created a stronger, more professionally run industry with a high level of fiscal discipline, as well as capital investments in the industry to help drive efficiency, innovation, and profitability.”

Below is a frequently updated list of all the transactions that have taken place within 2024. Return often to stay informed on the latest deals occurring within the industry and to get a brief recap of the most important details.

Dive Deeper: Sign up to become an industry insider.

AWT Labels & Packaging acquires American Label Technologies

Announced: July 11, 2024

Headquartered in Garner, NC, ALT offers a wide suite of RFID and NFC printing technologies.

Fedrigoni acquires majority stake in BoingTech

Announced: June 25, 2024

The move bolsters Fedrigoni’s position as a player in RFID, bringing additional value to customers in both its self-adhesives and specialty papers businesses.

Green Bay Packaging acquires SMC Packaging Group

Announced: June 6, 2024

SMC will continue to operate as a corporation, 100% owned by GBC. Plus, Mark McNay, previously VP and general manager of SMC, will become president of SMC.

Resource Label Group acquires Beyer Graphics

Announced: May 23, 2024

Beyer Graphics will become part of RLG Healthcare, a specialty pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging business of Resource Label Group.

Wise acquires assets of Phoenix Data

Announced: May 3, 2024

Larry Lovell, former Phoenix Data president, will continue with Wise to assist with the transition of business.

Anderson & Vreeland acquires Adheso-Graphics

Announced: May 1, 2024

This latest addition to the Anderson & Vreeland family will bring customers new technology offerings and product development.

Label Traxx acquired by Amtech

Announced: April 12, 2024

“Together, Amtech and Label Traxx form a highly differentiated, premier software platform within the packaging industry,” says Amtech CEO Chuck Schneider.

Fortis acquires Print Division of MASA Corporation

Announced: April 2, 2024

MASA is a national, full-service provider of custom labels, contract packaging, packaging and equipment supplies.

Resource Label Group acquires Labelcraft

Announced: March 21, 2024

Labelcraft, the 31st acquisition for RLG, operates two locations in Toronto, Canada and Dallas, TX, USA.

Label Source acquires Allied Label Printing Systems

Announced: March 21, 2024

This transaction marks a significant milestone in Label Source’s continual growth strategy.

Brook + Whittle acquires PouchIt

Announced: February 27, 2024

The acquisition expands Brook + Whittle’s footprint in the Southeast and strategically positions the company deeper in this rapidly growing segment.

ALTANA acquires Silberline

Announced: January 10, 2024

The US-based company specializes in developing and manufacturing effect pigments utilized in a wide range of applications.