Ball buys European aerosol can and aluminum bottle maker

Aerocan is a European manufacturer with three production sites in Velim in the Czech Republic, Bellegarde in France and Devizes in the UK. It also has a 51 per cent stake in a joint venture in Beaurepaire in France that produces aluminum slugs.

With its specialism being in aerosol cans and aluminum bottles, the company mainly serves the beverage industry and the health and beauty market.

Strategic fit ​

Ball spokesperson Scott McCarty said acquiring Aerocan fits with its strategy of growing its packaging businesses in new product and geographic markets.

McCarty said the deal will also enable Ball to reach a new landmark in size. He told this publication: “Once this acquisition closes, Ball will be the largest producer of aluminum slugs in the world, providing a global scale that will allow Ball to drive sustainable innovation through the entire supply chain for our customers.” ​

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This size will give Aerocan a bigger global platform for its products while the acquisition will introduce Ball to new customers that do not yet know the company.

Similar acquisition ​

Ball has already expanded its presence in the market this year. In July the company announced the acquisition of the US-based aluminum slug producer Neuman Aluminum for an undisclosed sum.

Neuman, which has production facilities in Virginia and Quebec, manufactures aluminum slugs for use in the personal care, household, beverage and food industries. It reported sales of about $128m in 2009.

The purchase of Aerocan, which is includes existing debts and liabilities, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011, subject to regulatory approval.

Ball Corporation as a whole employs 14,000 workers worldwide and reported sales in excess of $7.3bn in 2009.