Esterform eyes growth with £30m PE deal

Simeon Goldstein, Packaging News, 11 April 2007

 

Plastic bottle manufacturer Esterform plans to expand its operations through acquisitions and greater investment in its facilities after signing a £30m deal with private equity firm Gresham.

 

Gresham director Paul Franks said the company was “delighted” to be able to help Esterform “grow the business and take advantage of commercial opportunities in the sector”.

 

Esterform’s board of directors will also be shuffled with the arrival of Ian Woodward, formerly of health food company Whitworths, as chairman.

 

Esterform supplies PET bottles to the UK beverage industry and has an annual turnover approaching £50m. It employs 200 people at facilities in the Midlands and Leeds.