The fast expanding Asteria labels group has added Berkshire Labels in Hungerford to its network of companies across Europe.
Over the years Berkshire Labels has received multiple takeover approaches, always politely declining. Asteria’s approach has been different, says Berkshire managing director Paul Roscoe. “This was not something that we were particularly looking for, though we are always aware and mindful of the possibility and have had lots of attention. We have always focused on what we do and the exciting growth plans we have for the business.”
These are not going to change. The company added a further flexo press last year and has a Bobst Digimaster 340 inkjet press on order. This had been due to arrive this month but has been delayed until March. “We’re not quite ready in terms of moving things around,” he adds.
The acquisition of Berkshire Labels is the second in the UK for Asteria having bought CS Labels in October 2021. At the time this was its 17th group member. Berkshire Labels is the 24th in the group.
“We are a family business,” says Roscoe, “and we are joining a bigger family. awe have got to know the people behind Asteria and we share a like minded outlook.
“It is business as usual for us. Asteria has invested back into the group and this will continue. It’s nice to be part of the larger group and network.”
Asteria CEO Ives Declerk says: “Berkshire Labels is a great company and great fit for the Asteria Group and will complement and expand our existing European and UK production sites. We look forward to supporting Paul and the team at Berkshire in their exciting growth plans.”
These will take Berkshire from a turnover of around £15 million to £20 million, from its existing mix of self adhesive labels and shrink sleeves as well as new products. It runs Mark Andy flexo presses and HP Indigo label machines with inkjet coming to fill the gap between these technologies and open new opportunities.
