Selling a Printing or Packaging Business?

Yes. There is live registered demand in this sector, mostly from trade acquirers consolidating capacity or adding a capability. The number of current requirements and the buyer type mix are shown in the figures above and are counted from live requirements.

Consistent repeat customers, the ability to run existing work through the acquirer's lines, sound cost pass-through arrangements and, where relevant, accreditations for food or pharmaceutical packaging.

It depends on the acquirer's plan, and requirements vary between those acquiring a site and team and those consolidating work elsewhere. The stated regional focus and rationale in each requirement is the most reliable indicator.

The register shows active demand for commercial and digital printers, large-format and point-of-sale producers, self-adhesive label converters, folding-carton and corrugated packaging manufacturers, and specialist services such as security print and print management.

Mandates range from smaller specialist sites through to established multi-press operations. Each requirement sets its own turnover, EBITDA and equipment expectations, so both bolt-on and platform opportunities are represented.

It depends on the acquirer. Some are consolidating litho work onto larger, more efficient sites, while others are building digital and hybrid capability for short-run and personalised production. Many mandates value a balanced mix.

Very important for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and retail work. Buyers weigh FSC and PEFC chain-of-custody, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and, where relevant, BRCGS packaging standards, alongside audit history and customer approvals.

No. Every mandate is anonymised and the initial conversation is only with the BusinessWanted.com team. Buyer introductions only happen once the owner is comfortable and a non-disclosure agreement is in place.

Each requirement states its own target turnover band, and many also set out profitability expectations, deal structure and the acquirer's funding position. Ranges run from owner-managed businesses through to established groups, so the individual mandate page is always the definitive statement of what that buyer will consider.

Nothing is published about your business. You read the acquirer's stated requirement, then write to our team quoting the mandate reference with a brief outline of your company. We review the fit and, where it is credible, make a discreet introduction. If you decide not to proceed, no trace of the approach is left.

Every acquirer has submitted a written mandate covering investment criteria, funding position, decision process and prior acquisition experience. Our team reviews each submission before publication, and requirements without a defined thesis or a credible route to completion are declined.