In news that has the entire industry talking, two packaging manufacturers – MW Luxury Packaging (“MW”) and GPA Global (“GPA”) – have united. With GPA acquiring a 100% stake in MW, both companies look set to expand their reach, build their global client base and create a full-service combined platform. MW’s founder, Anthony Dowler, has become a shareholder in GPA, but will continue to stand at the forefront of the MW brand.

GPA Global started life as Green Packaging Asia in 2009, and quickly established itself as a one-stop-shop for premium specialty packaging. GPA offers design, engineering, production management and distribution services. MW Luxury Packaging was founded in 1998, and since then has developed the reputation as one of the leading packaging manufacturers in the luxury sector. Specialising in bespoke, premium packaging solutions for the beverage and health and beauty sectors, the company expects to open up fresh avenues of business for GPA.

On the subject of this exciting new partnership, GPA co-founders Tom Wang and Adam Melton have said: “We are excited to work with MW Luxury Packaging to build a world-class platform for premium packaging and interactive display solutions. With MW Luxury Packaging’s strong existing clientele in premium spirits and beverage, and health and beauty, the transaction will allow GPA Global to become a leader in an expanded client segment, providing substantial cross-selling potential with our existing offerings. The strong design team as well as sales footprint in the UK, Europe and Americas also serves as a strong addition to our existing platform. We look forward to working closely together with MW Luxury Packaging and jointly develop GPA Global to the next level.”

MW’s founder Anthony Dowler has expressed his enthusiasm: “GPA Global offers an exciting business model with strong reputation and credibility across a number of market sectors. With an extensive sales, design, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution team in Asia, I believe GPA will provide MW with the platform to continue to expand its footprint with existing and new clients. We are confident that the partnership will bring on tremendous synergies and allow the combined business to serve our customers at a whole new level.”

Martin Mok, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT Mid Market, says: “We are impressed by MW Luxury Packaging’s superior design capabilities, strong reputation in the premium segment, as well as a complementary network in Europe to GPA Global. We are excited to see GPA Global enter into a new phase of accelerated development.”

With these two global powerhouses united, we can expect some exciting projects on the horizon. Watch this space.