Sun European Partners, LLP has announced that one of its affiliates has entered into exclusive negotiations to sell Albéa, a global leader in the BPC packaging industry, to Funds advised by PAI Partners. The proposed transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Albéa was acquired by an affiliate of Sun European Partners in 2010. During such ownership there has been a step change in performance, with significant capital expenditure leading to profitability improvement by over 80% along with a 600 basis point lift in margins. This was achieved through business growth with customers as well as continuous improvement, procurement and other operating initiatives.

Operational excellence has seen the company grow strongly and has been supplemented by the successful completion and integration of numerous acquisitions including Betts, Eyelematic, Tex and Rexam’s PC business, transforming Albéa into a world leading packaging company.

Jerome Nomme, Managing Director of Sun European Partners, commented: “We are pleased with the transformation of the company under Sun’s stewardship during a period which has seen an improvement in the financial performance of the company, its operational efficiency and the range of products it offers. We thank the management at Albéa and wish them continued success under new ownership.”

François Luscan, CEO of Albéa, commented: “We are excited for this new chapter in Albéa’s 60-year history. Sun has been an outstanding shareholder for the past seven years, continuously supporting our business development.

We are looking forward to working with our new shareholder as we consolidate our position as the leading provider of solutions to the world’s most prestigious and most dynamic brands, building from our unique combination of customer-focus, operating excellence, large range of products and services, global reach, technical know-how, social responsibility and passion.”

Albéa is one of the world’s leading packaging companies, providing a wide range of solutions for the make-up, fragrance, skincare, personal and oral care markets. The company’s product portfolio includes plastic and laminate tubes, mascaras, lipsticks, lip glosses, compacts, plastic closures and shells, spray-caps, jars, lids, cosmetic accessories, bags & promotional items.

Albéa boasts 38 manufacturing sites in Europe, Americas and Asia, with global headquarters based in Paris.