VPK Group has confirmed it has reached an agreement to acquire a minority share in Ribble, the UK corrugated board company specialising in fanfold. The company says it is a strategic step towards a future expansion of VPK Group’s fit2size® product offering and geographical coverage.
Ribble traces its origins back to 1938 and is based in Oldham, Lancashire. The company achieved a turnover of €40m in 2022 and employs more than 100 people.
VPK said that acquiring a minority share in Ribble fits perfectly into its long-term vision and objective to invest in sustainable growth and further develop its vertically integrated business model across Europe.
Through the recent acquisition of Zetacarton in Italy – producer of fanfold and niche products such as big-box packaging – and the available fanfold production capacity in Alizay, France, VPK Group will be able to serve e-commerce logistics distribution centres across Europe.
Stephen Rector, Managing Director, Ribble, added, “Over the last five years, Ribble has invested heavily into all areas of its business and has created a UK market leading position in fanfold. We believe that we have found an ideal partner who shares our values and will support our growth ambition in the rapidly developing market for sustainable packaging.”
