Sharp Interpack has produced a number of packaging solution for the UK market, which are likely to have appealed to Guillin

Sharp Interpack has produced a number of packaging solution for the UK market, which are likely to have appealed to Guillin

French packaging multinational Groupe Guillin is in negotiations to take over UK packaging specialist Sharp Interpack.

Due diligence is underway in the deal, which could see the £84 million business brought under the umbrella of the French group, which has a large presence through western Europe.

The talks began on 21 December and it appears likely the transaction will take place in the first quarter of the year, according to a statement made to the French stock exchange by Guillin.

In the statement, it said the acquisition would allow the group to "reinforce its position in the UK market with a complete offer of packaging for meat products, fruit and vegetables and the food industry".

Groupe Guillin’s UK portfolio is already extensive, including GPI UK in Epping, Premier Packaging in Canterbury, Kent and Socamel UK in Chippenham, Wiltshire

Sharp Interpack deputy managing director Andrew Copson told Packaging News: "Assuming that the due diligence is successful and that the transaction goes ahead, it's a great move for the company."

The deal would potentially mean Sharp Interpak would become part of a continent-wide business which also has companies in Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain.