The acquisition is Berlin Packaging's eighth in the EMEA region so far this year.

US-based hybrid packaging company Berlin Packaging has acquired wine and beverage glass packaging supplier Gerfran for an undisclosed sum.

Gerfran is a family-owned company founded in 1984 and purchased by Lionel Fruh in 2008.

Based in La Réole, the company sells Bordeaux bottles and other wine bottles to wine producers, including small vineyards and large estates, in France.

It also supplies bottles and jars for other sectors, including beer, spirits, fruit juices and food.

Gerfran operates warehouses across the south-west of France.

The acquisition is intended to expand Berlin Packaging’s wine portfolio in France, particularly in Bordeaux.

Berlin Packaging CEO and president Bill Hayes said: “Targeted acquisitions such as Gerfran are a key component of our European growth strategy.

“This addition strengthens our position in the wine packaging market in France and across Europe.”

Gerfran president Lionel Fruh said: “We are delighted to be part of the Berlin Packaging family.

“By combining our expertise, I am confident that we can achieve great things for our customers and supplier partners.”

Berlin Packaging will assume ownership of all Gerfran’s employees and locations following the deal.

Once the deal is completed, Gerfran will be Berlin Packaging’s eighth acquisition in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region this year and its 18th in the region since 2016.

Berlin Packaging EMEA CEO Paolo Recrosio said: “Gerfran is the perfect partner for Berlin Packaging as we expand our operations to the south-west of France and continue to increase our wine packaging business.”

In October, Berlin Packaging and O-I France signed a binding commitment to allow Berlin Packaging France to acquire the business and brand of Le Parfait, a French company that offers glass jars and lids.

Le Parfait’s jars and lids are reusable, recyclable and feature orange seals made from natural and recycled rubber.

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