Bunzl plc, the international distribution and outsourcing group, has acquired three companies in South America and the U.S.
The redistributor has acquired Vicsa Safety SA in Chile and its subsidiaries in Peru, Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. The acquisition is the first for Bunzl in South America. The businesses specialize in the sourcing and sale of personal protection equipment throughout the region. The aggregate revenue of the Vicsa businesses in the year ended Dec. 31, 2011, was US$51 million and is expected to be US$60 million in 2012. The business in Chile accounts for more than half of the total revenue.
Bunzl has also acquired Schwarz Paper Company LLC in the U.S. Based in Chicago and operating from 14 locations, Schwarz Paper Company is focused on the non-food retail and grocery sectors. Revenue in the year ended Sept. 30, 2012, was US$363 million.
Finally, Bunzl has acquired Destiny Packaging Inc., also in the U.S. Based in Monterey, CA, Destiny Packaging is a distributor of flexible packaging supplies, principally produce bags, to fruit and vegetable growers throughout California and Arizona. Revenue in the year ended Dec. 31, 2011, was US$45 million and is expected to be US$50 million in 2012.
Michael Roney, Chief Executive of Bunzl, said the acquisition of Schwarz Paper Company “significantly increases the size” of Bunzl’s non-food retail business.
Including the acquisitions, Bunzl’s acquisition spend for 2012 is £270 million (US$435 million) adding aggregate annualized revenue of over £500 million (US$806 million).
