Benson Group is one of the UK's leading printed folding carton suppliers, producing packaging for both the food retail and healthcare industries for a wide range of UK and European customers.
The Midlands-based business, which has a turnover approaching £120 million, employs more than 900 staff and manufactures packaging products at four production sites across the UK at Bardon, Newcastle, Gateshead and Crewe. Graphic Packaging International, headquartered in USA, is a leading packaging provider to the food, beverage and other consumer markets. Benson Group's current position in the growing convenience and retail market will particularly complement Graphic's existing operations and further strengthen its growing presence in Europe.
Our corporate finance advisory team formed a very strong relationship with Benson Group in the period since 2005, assisting with three acquisitions in as many years, the management buy-out supported by Lloyds Development Capital in 2011, has now culminated in the ultimate sale to Graphic Packaging International (Graphic) for a consideration of £100 million.
We project managed the deal to completion, supporting Benson Group's management through complex financial, commercial and regulatory phases of the transaction.
Grant Thornton delivered an excellent deal in line with the agreed timetable. We really valued their support and transaction experience which guided us through a complex process. Having worked with them on five transactions, I would have no hesitation in recommending them as advisors.
Mark Kerridge CEO, Benson Group Limited
