Sealed Air agrees to sell to private equity firm for $6.2B

The North Carolina-based company reported that the 30-day “go shop” period, during which it solicited 29 alternative acquisition proposals, has ended. Sealed Air reiterated it expects the CD&R acquisition to close in mid-2026.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 17, 2025

Industrial M&A ramps up as tariffs settle in, interest rates drop and funds are flush

Private equity and strategic buyers are increasingly competitive acquirers in numerous areas of manufacturing. Deal experts predict much more activity as the market heats up into 2026.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 13, 2025

TriMas sells aerospace arm for $1.45B to focus on packaging

CEO Thomas Snyder called the divestiture a “significant milestone in TriMas’ ongoing transformation.”

By Maria Rachal • Updated March 16, 2026

International Paper offloads bag converting to ProAmpac

For ProAmpac, it’s a fourth acquisition growing its paper packaging business since the start of 2024. Meanwhile, International Paper continues its push to streamline its portfolio.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 20, 2025

Georgia-Pacific acquires Anchor Packaging

The companies focus on different substrates and indicate their combination is complementary, especially to serve the food and beverage sectors.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Oct. 30, 2025

Sonoco divests ThermoSafe for up to $725M

The final selling price to a private equity firm hinges on business performance in 2025. The long-awaited divestiture of the temperature-assured packaging business will help Sonoco offset the cost of its Eviosys acquisition.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Nov. 3, 2025

PCA completes $1.8B acquisition of Greif’s containerboard business

The divestiture “marks an important step forward for Greif,” CEO Ole Rosgaard said Tuesday, noting the deal’s contribution to debt reduction. The company adjusted its full-year guidance upon announcing the deal closed.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 2, 2025

Ball reduces stake in Saudi Arabia cans venture to 10%

The Colorado-based aluminum products manufacturer sold most of its ownership interest to a subsidiary of a Beijing-based packaging solutions provider for approximately $70 million.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 28, 2025

International Paper sells global cellulose fibers unit for $1.5B

Private equity firm American Industrial Partners is the buyer in the long-anticipated sale. CEO Andy Silvernail has been pushing to make International Paper a more streamlined, pure-play packaging solutions company.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Jan. 23, 2026

Greif sells timberlands business for $462M

The sale to Molpus Woodlands Group aligns with Greif’s ongoing optimization and cost-reduction efforts.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Oct. 2, 2025

PCA details growth plans after Greif containerboard acquisition

Packaging Corporation of America is poised to benefit from competitors’ cuts to containerboard capacity this year, but the company is watching tariff-driven fluctuations in customer orders, said executives on a Thursday earnings call.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated July 25, 2025

Unpacking 2025’s private equity activity trends

The first half of the year saw 71 PE deals in containers and packaging, according to PitchBook data. Analysts break down the economic factors influencing PE activity and exits in packaging, or lack thereof.

By Maria Rachal • July 23, 2025

Packaging M&A may not rise until next year, analysts say

Deal volume has been somewhat similar in 2025 as in 2024. Tariff uncertainty could dampen growth in the months to come, analysts note.

By Maria Rachal • July 9, 2025

PCA buying Greif’s containerboard business for $1.8B

The transaction includes mills, sheet and corrugated assets in multiple states. The deal comes as Greif says it’s prioritizing polymer-based products and was unwilling to invest to become more competitive in containerboard.

By Maria Rachal • Updated July 1, 2025

International Paper to exit molded fiber market, sell select Mexico sites

The company is also shuttering packaging and recycling facilities in Ohio and Kansas. Thursday’s announcement will impact over 100 U.S. employees — just the latest update in IP’s ongoing North American optimization.

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk • June 27, 2025

Amcor completes acquisition of Berry Global

The Zurich-based company’s reach now spans approximately 140 countries, with some 400 facilities, 70,000 employees and $23 billion in anticipated sales revenue.

By Maria Rachal • April 30, 2025

International Paper completes sale of 5 European plants to Palm Group

IP announced Tuesday it divested plants in France, Portugal and Spain, thereby satisfying all requirements with the European Commission related to its acquisition of DS Smith.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated July 1, 2025

Packaging M&A highlights from Q1

Packaging Dive followed dozens of deals in the first quarter. Industry observers noted activity in the labels space.

By Maria Rachal • April 10, 2025

Novolex completes $6.7B acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen

Pactiv Evergreen has transitioned from a publicly traded to privately held company as it is absorbed under Novolex. The combined company becomes one of largest food packaging producers.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 1, 2025

European Commission approves Amcor acquisition of Berry Global

The approval paves the way for the companies to finalize their $8.4 billion combination, which they now anticipate will occur by the end of April.

By Maria Rachal • Updated April 28, 2025

Ball buys Florida can maker, plans Oregon plant

It’s gaining a beverage can facility in the Southeast through a $160 million deal and will build a can plant in the Pacific Northwest to better align with customers. Separately, Ball is pursuing alternatives for its cups business.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 5, 2025

International Paper completes acquisition of DS Smith

The new IP is among the largest packaging companies in the world. The nearly yearlong journey to close the deal was convoluted at times, including competing interest from Mondi and Suzano.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 31, 2025

The packaging industry outlook for 2025

The evolution of packaging EPR, potential for more industry-reshaping megadeals, shifting attitudes on plastics and sustainability goals, and Trump’s mark on trade and federal funding are dynamic areas to watch.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 31, 2025

Where is packaging industry consolidation likely in 2025? Experts weigh in.

Niche packaging sectors are considered ripe for growth and M&A. Analysts also weigh in on the influence of the Trump administration and whether the megadeal trend will continue in 2025.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 30, 2025

European Commission requires 5 divestitures for IP-DS Smith deal

International Paper agreed to sell plants in three countries to gain approval. The acquisition is slated to close Jan. 31.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 24, 2025