Three family-owned stopper suppliers based near Porto are poised to join Crealis’ portfolio.
French packaging group Crealis is reinforcing its stopper business with a new natural cork offer. The company’s Supercap entity has announced the purchase last month of suppliers Woodcap Indústria de Cápsulas de Madeira, Manuel Firinho & Filhos and Jesus Couto & Pereira, giving the division an industrial foothold in Portugal. The three companies, whose combined turnover amounted to more than €25m in 2022, are based in Porto and have a total workforce of 100 employees.
Woodcap Indústria de Cápsulas de Madeira, a family-owned company with 50% of its business in exports, produces wooden stoppers for the drinks industry along with finishing of third-party products. Manuel Firinho & Filhos brings expertise in natural cork stoppers for the drinks sector with specific know-how in wooden and plastic capsules. Exports make up some 80% of the business.
Jesus Couto & Pereira produces natural cork stoppers.
In addition to its Italian production, Supercap operates a production facility in Guadalajara, Mexico.
With this acquisition, Supercap is forecasting a turnover of €100m in 2023, while boosting its staff numbers to 800 across Italy, Portugal and Mexico.
The transaction is set to close in the first quarter of 2023.