Challenge Packaging acquired by Logson Group

Packaging firm Logson Group has acquired Challenge Packaging, in a bid to strengthen its offering in the south east of England. Business advisory firm Quantuma supported the shareholders of Sussex-based packaging manufacturer on its sale.

Quantuma managing director Mark Lucas and associate director George Jackson led the sales process for Challenge on behalf of the shareholders. The Quantuma team advised the shareholders on the business plan and market positioning and undertook a dual track strategic marketing process. This generated significant interest from both financial and trade investors and ultimately identified Logson Group as the preferred bidder.

CEO of Challenge Packaging Simon Allen said of the process: “Mark, George and the Quantuma team were exceptional partners to work with and made a complex process easy for the business and the shareholders. They clearly understood our business and the market, which was reflected in the expertly written and designed marketing materials and their ability to generate lots of interest from potential buyers. They were on the front foot throughout and were instrumental in finding the best price and home for our business and getting the deal done.”

Founded in 2002, Challenge Packaging is a corrugated cardboard packaging manufacturer and packaging supply chain solutions provider. From its facility in East Sussex, the firm offers end-to-end services, from design to delivery, the company blends its manufacturing strength with the flexibility of a merchant. Its clients can be found in the retail, e-commerce, fresh food businesses and FMCG clients.

Martin Coppard, the managing director of Challenge Packaging, added, “I’m incredibly excited to work with the entire Challenge team, alongside colleagues at Logson Group, as we begin the next phase of our journey. Joining with Logson as our ideal partner allows us to expand and evolve our market leading capabilities and drive customer service to new levels.”

Employing a collective 1,300 staff, the Logson Group is an independent group of packaging companies with a turnover of over £400 million. The group has been highly acquisitive in recent years, and the acquisition of Challenge enhances the Group’s offering in the south east of England. Logson is backed by W&R Barnett, a large, diversified group of international commodity trading, storage, agricultural and industrial businesses, based in Northern Ireland.

Quantuma managing director Mark Lucas commented: “This transaction delivers continuity for Challenge Packaging as part of the Logson Group, an exciting and ambitious growth platform in the sector, and allows the Sellers to secure the shareholder value created by Challenge’s growth trajectory and investments. The Quantuma team is delighted to have advised the shareholders on the deal. They have built an absolutely fantastic business, which has found a great home to continue its journey with Logson.”