By Plastics News

Amcor has offered to buy parts of Alcan Packaging from Rio Tinto for $2bn. The businesses that Amcor has agreed to acquire include Alcan Packaging Global Pharmaceuticals, Alcan Packaging Food Europe, Alcan Packaging Food Asia and Alcan Packaging Global Tobacco.

 

The parts of Alcan Packaging that Amcor has offered to acquire would add approximately $4bn in sales and 14,000 employees across 80 plants in 28 countries.

 

According to an Amcor news release, the deal fits with the firm's plan to grow its flexible packaging and folding cartons businesses.

 

“While these are difficult economic times globally, Amcor is in a solid financial position,” said Amcor managing director and ceo Ken MacKenzie. “We made the tough decisions several years ago to reshape our company through focus and discipline. This acquisition is a clear fit with our strategic growth plans, building greater shareholder value by expanding our business whilst obtaining the economies of scale that comes with an opportunity such as this.”

 

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is not expected to occur for several months.

 

Melbourne-based Amcor offers plastic, fibre, metal and glass packaging. The company operates in 34 countries with 226 sites and approximately 21,000 employees.