The UK rigid plastics giant said it had off-loaded the Lohne-based Bramlage Verschlüsse subsidiary because it the business segment was not central to its growth plan.
“As wines and spirits are not a core sector for the RPC Group, this is a natural progression of the existing partnership, creating one of the most important players in the German market and allowing the company to integrate further into the industry,” said chief executive Ron Marsh.
The firm added that cash from the deal would be used to "fund the ongoing growth strategy” of the group.
Bramlage Verschlüsse manufactures a range of natural and synthetic corks as well as aluminium and special closures. The company achieved sales of €7m in 2010/2011 with an EBITDA of €0.3m.
Best opportunity for growth
Rauh makes bottle caps and closures for industry players including breweries, wine bottlers and soft drinks manufacturers.
The two companies have been working together for five years, with Rauh supplying roll-on aluminium closures to RPC Bramlage Verschlüsse.
The RPC head said he believed that the sale provided the best opportunity for the continued growth of the Bramlage Verschlüsse business.
Bramlage Verschlüsse’s 17 staff will continue to work for Rauh on the same site, said RPC.