Ball in talks for Benepack acquisition
The Genk site began production in 2020 after CPMC and Haoneng (known for Illochroma labels factory) set up a joint venture. Image: Benepack
Ball Corporation is eyeing Belgian-based can manufacturer Benepack.
Negotiations with the selling owners, the Chinese company Cofco, are still ongoing. But if all goes well, an official announcement will soon be made regarding the acquisition of Genk-based company Benepack by the American Ball Corporation.
Benepack is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cans. The Genk site began production in 2020 after Chinese packaging company CPMC and fellow Chinese company Haoneng (known for Illochroma labels factory) set up a joint venture.
Recently it appears that the Chinese parent company Cofco wants to sell the Genk factory and focus on the Asian market. Ball Corporation, the American multinational, which also produces packaging and is therefore a competitor, is interested in Benepack. Ball recently acquired the Spanish company Alucan, which produces aerosol cans not far in that part of Belgium (Lummen) and produce aerosols for FrieslandCampina whipped cream.
Negotiations on the vertical integration of Benepack are still ongoing, so it could be a while before a signed deal is required or at least until official confirmation that it has been finalised. In the meantime, the employees are waiting to see how things develop. As the Flemish press have concluded, it is not over until the ink is dry.
