Martyn Taylor

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the transaction between Lightning Packaging and Bunzl.

Bunzl, a global distribution and outsourcing group of packaging, catering equipment and safety wear, has spent approximately £600m on acquisitions during 2017 – a marked increase of £327m in 2015 – with the company consolidating its fragmented markets through acquisitions, an important part of its ongoing strategy.

The acquisition of Lightning Packaging, a UK-wide distributor of packaging materials to a variety of sectors, has provided Bunzl the opportunity to further consolidate within the packaging sector.

The impact of Bunzl’s acquisitions, along with its growth from organic revenue, has led to an approximate 15% increase in revenue at actual exchange rates and, at constant exchange rates, between 9% and 10%.

Speaking on the process with Benchmark International, Martyn Taylor, Managing Director at Lightning Packaging, said:

"Without Benchmark International being involved in our sale, there is absolutely not a possibility of that sale going through as smoothly as it did. I would say that without professional help, and I mean professional help of a very, very high level, you would not be able to conclude the deal that we concluded. It just could not happen. I'm convinced of that.”