Packaging group Guillin (Ornans / France; www.groupeguillin.fr) is strengthening its position in C-PET trays for microwave meals. In the UK, its local subsidiary Sharpak Bridgwater plans to buy some of competitor Etimex Primary Packaging's (Dietenheim / Germany; www.etimex-pp.com) UK activities.

An exclusive agreement was recently signed by representatives of both companies, and the transaction is scheduled to close by September 2018 at the latest. The business includes production and sales of thermoformed C-PET trays, with a turnover of around EUR 6m.

Etimex Primary Packaging belongs to Etimex Holding (Dietenheim) and produces thermoformed packaging made of PP, C-PET and A-PET for the food, pet food, baby food and pharmaceutical industries. Guillin's product portfolio includes thermoformed trays for meat, vegetables, baked goods and fruit.

In fiscal 2017, Guillin recorded revenues of EUR 599.6m, up 5.4% over the previous year. About one third of the turnover was generated in France and 17% in the UK. The remainder is mainly distributed across other European markets. However, the company's earnings distinctly fell. Its operating profit went down from EUR 74.3m to EUR 70m, which Guillin attributes largely to higher raw material costs. Net profit fell 4% to EUR 49.3m.