Who Owns Berlin Packaging Company?

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Who Really Calls the Shots at Berlin Packaging?

Unraveling the ownership structure of Berlin Packaging is essential for investors and industry watchers alike. Understanding who controls a company like Berlin Packaging, a global leader in packaging solutions, reveals critical insights into its strategic direction and future growth. This deep dive explores the evolution of Berlin Packaging's ownership, from its founding to today.

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Berlin Packaging, originally Alco Packaging, has a rich Berlin Packaging SWOT Analysis. Since its acquisition by Oak Hill Capital Partners in 2014, the company has experienced significant growth, boasting over $3 billion in revenue in 2024 and employing 2,000 people. This analysis will examine the key players in Berlin Packaging's ownership, including its CEO and executive leadership team, offering a comprehensive view of the company's structure and influence within the packaging industry.

The story of Berlin Packaging begins in 1898 with the founding of Riekes Container. This company was later acquired by Alco Packaging in 1975. The Berlin Packaging we know today was formally established in 1988.

Andrew T. Berlin, a lawyer, joined his father in purchasing Alco Packaging. They then renamed it Berlin Packaging. At the time of this acquisition, Alco Packaging had annual sales of $69 million. Andrew T. Berlin is recognized as the founder of the Berlin Packaging company.

It is important to note that specific details about the founders' initial equity split or early investors are not publicly available. However, it is known that Andrew T. Berlin maintained a significant minority stake after Investcorp's acquisition in 2007. He also held a significant ownership position after the sale to Oak Hill Capital Partners in 2014. The founding team, led by Andrew T. Berlin, aimed to build a market-leading company.

Ownership and Early Vision

Andrew T. Berlin's vision was to create a company focused on growing the bottom lines of its customers. The company's early focus was on providing packaging solutions. The company has grown significantly since its inception. Further insights into the Growth Strategy of Berlin Packaging can be found in this article.

• Berlin Packaging was founded in 1988.
• Andrew T. Berlin is the recognized founder.
• Early focus on customer bottom-line growth.
• The company has experienced multiple ownership changes over time.

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The evolution of Berlin Packaging's ownership reflects its growth strategy and financial backing. In 2007, Investcorp took a majority stake, driving expansion through acquisitions. This period saw the addition of companies like All-Pak Inc. and Continental Packaging Solutions in 2010, and Lerman Container and United States Container Corporation in 2012, contributing to significant revenue and profit increases.

A pivotal shift occurred in October 2014 when Oak Hill Capital Partners acquired Berlin Packaging from Investcorp for $1.43 billion. This transition saw Andrew T. Berlin, the Berlin Packaging CEO, retain a significant minority stake, alongside the executive management team. As of late 2024, the company remains privately held, with Oak Hill Capital Partners and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) as major institutional investors. Other key investors include AlpInvest Partners, ICG Enterprise Trust, and Colpatria Capital. These ownership changes have been crucial for the company's acquisition-led growth, including the recent acquisition of RIXIUS AG in 2024.

The Berlin Packaging company has a dynamic history, with ownership changes influencing its strategic direction. The shift from Investcorp to Oak Hill Capital Partners, and the continued involvement of key executives, has enabled the company to pursue aggressive acquisitions and maintain its position as a leading packaging supplier. The Berlin Packaging headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois, and the company continues to expand its global footprint. For more details on the company's background, consider reading more about the company's history.

Key Takeaways on Berlin Packaging Ownership

Berlin Packaging ownership has evolved significantly, influencing its strategic direction and growth. The company's history includes key acquisitions and changes in ownership structure. The current ownership structure supports Berlin Packaging's continued expansion and market leadership.

• Investcorp's ownership drove early acquisitions.
• Oak Hill Capital Partners acquired the company in 2014.
• The company remains privately held with significant institutional investors.
• Acquisitions, like RIXIUS AG in 2024, highlight ongoing growth.

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The Berlin Packaging company, a privately held entity, operates under the guidance of a board of directors that reflects its ownership structure. As of early 2025, the board includes key figures such as Michael Grebe, serving as Executive Chairman, and Andrew Berlin, who holds the positions of Chairman and CEO. Andrew Berlin also maintains a significant ownership stake in the company. Understanding the Berlin Packaging ownership structure is key to grasping its strategic direction.

The board's composition includes representatives from major shareholders, primarily private equity firms. These firms, such as Oak Hill Capital Partners and CPP Investments, exert considerable influence over strategic decisions, proportionate to their equity holdings. The executive management team, including Global CEO and President Bill Hayes, also participates in leadership, further shaping the company's trajectory. For more insights into the company's financial aspects, you can explore Revenue Streams & Business Model of Berlin Packaging.

Given its private status, Berlin Packaging has not experienced public proxy battles or activist investor campaigns. Decision-making is a collaborative process between the private equity owners and the experienced management team, focusing on growth and value creation. The Berlin Packaging CEO and other key personnel work together to drive the company forward.

Key Takeaways on Berlin Packaging's Leadership

The board of directors is composed of representatives from major shareholders and key executive management.

• Andrew Berlin, as Chairman and CEO, holds a significant ownership position.
• Private equity firms like Oak Hill Capital Partners and CPP Investments have substantial influence.
• Decision-making is a collaborative effort focused on growth and value creation.
• The company's structure is designed to support long-term strategic goals.

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Over the past few years, the ownership structure of Berlin Packaging has evolved, reflecting its growth strategy. A significant development is the '1Berlin Shared Ownership Program,' launched in September 2024. This program grants an ownership stake to all global employees with at least two years of continuous employment. This initiative, supported by Oak Hill Capital Partners and Canadian Pension Plan Investments, aims to boost employee engagement. Employees receive financial training and regular 'Ownership Updates' from the leadership team.

Berlin Packaging has been actively involved in mergers and acquisitions to expand its market presence. Recent acquisitions include Sarom Packaging in June 2025, RIXIUS AG in January 2024 (expected to close in Q4 2024), and Alpack in December 2023. Other acquisitions include the Juvasa Group, Premi S.p.A., United Bottles & Packaging, Repli and Penta Packaging, Newpack, Vinkova B.V., Consolidated Bottle Corporation, Glass Line, Raepak, and Elias Valavanis S.A. These acquisitions demonstrate the company's commitment to consolidating the packaging industry and expanding its global reach. For more insights, explore the Growth Strategy of Berlin Packaging.

The company focuses on sustainable packaging solutions, selling over 12,000 metric tons of recycled plastic and glass packaging in 2023. The current Global CEO and President is Bill Hayes, who has held this position since 2020. Berlin Packaging continues to operate under private equity ownership, with no public listing or privatization announcements.

Ownership Structure

The company is primarily owned by private equity firms, including Oak Hill Capital Partners and Canadian Pension Plan Investments. Employee ownership is also a key aspect, with the '1Berlin Shared Ownership Program' providing employees with ownership stakes.

Acquisition Strategy

Berlin Packaging has actively pursued acquisitions to expand its global footprint and market share. Recent acquisitions include Sarom Packaging and RIXIUS AG. The company continues to seek strategic acquisitions.

Sustainability Initiatives

Berlin Packaging is committed to sustainable packaging solutions. In 2023, the company sold over 12,000 metric tons of recycled plastic and glass packaging, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Leadership

Bill Hayes has served as the Global CEO and President since 2020. The leadership team has remained consistent, guiding the company through its strategic growth and acquisitions.

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