All4Labels has completed a second UK acquisition on its way to building “a leading business unit” in the UK.
It has added Springfield Solutions in Hull to Olympus Labels which was its first UK acquisition in April last year. Springfield is an all digital label printer in Hull which has developed out of a packaging repro business. It has retained repro expertise and has developed a brand management arm, which was part of the appeal to the expansive All4Labels group.
Springfield is the German group’s third acquisition of 2023. Since beginning an acquisitions strategy in 216, the business has acquired the backing of a price equity shareholder and grown to 46 sites across the world. The majority (35) are in Europe with seven in South America, Mexico, South Africa and China represented.
All4Labels COO Günther Weymans says: “We believe that Springfield Solutions with their vision to be a world leader in the supply of innovative and sustainable digital packaging assets complements our digital business perfectly. With both our sites in the UK All4Labels will now be able to offer a wider range of products and services to an even broader range of customers both locally and on an international level.”
“From our very first discussion it was clear that our vision, mission and values are completely aligned,” says Springfield managing director Matt Dass.
It is not the first time that Springfield has been acquired. It became part of US label and packaging group Fort Dearborn, but sold back to a management team in 2005 after a change in strategy at the US business.
Since then Springfield has invested in producing labels digitally, initially with HP Indigo and more recently with Screen TruepressJet L350 UV presses. At the same time it has continued a brand management offering and interactive media operation. Combined this results in a turnover of more than £10 million.
Dass, whose father Albert founded the business in 1975 and is chairman, and operations director Dennis Ebeltoft will continue to run the business days to day.
Albert Dass comments: “Since starting the company nearly 50 years ago, it has been a life’s ambition to pioneer the way print and packaging is produced, with digital being at the core of everything we do. Joining the All4Labels Group will ensure we continue to do this for the next 50 years.”
Terms and conditions of the transaction are not disclosed.”
The transaction continues a trend for expanding European groups to pick up UK businesses. As well as All4Labels, Belgium based Asteria Group is on a similar path. It followed up the acquisition of CS Labels with the purchase of Berkshire Labels earlier this year.
