Deal completed this week

Tipografic and Royal Sens join forces following acquisition

Tipografic and Royal Sens offer similar services
Tipografic and Royal Sens offer similar services

Rotterdam labels specialist Royal Sens has acquired 100% of Birkenhead-based label producer Tipografic.

Both suppliers of cut and stack paper labels, reel-fed BOPP labels, and flexible packaging to the UK and European markets, the two businesses said that by coming together they “will be able to serve customers even better and [the deal] will allow us to remain competitive in the marketplace”.

Tipografic was founded in 1989 and moved to its current site in Birkenhead in 2003. Over recent years it has grown substantially, entering new markets, and employs over 130 people. It produces wet glue labels for the food, drinks, and household industries.

Royal Sens, meanwhile, has been producing labels since 1896 and is also a manufacturer of wet glue labels. It employs over 240 staff and has four branches in three countries, supplying across the UK and Europe.

In a letter sent to customers, the companies said they would benefit “from the strong capabilities and dedication offered by both companies”.

“The combination allows us to further pursue our path to operational excellence jointly and is a unique opportunity for building on our respective best practices,” it continued.

The deal was completed on Wednesday (10 April). Posting on LinkedIn this week, Royal Sens CEO Sander Koster said he had “pride and excitement” to announce the deal.

“Both companies are well known suppliers of wet glue labels to the UK and European markets and market leaders in their respective markets. Together we will continue on our path to become the best wet glue label manufacturer in Europe based on a strong focus on the high level of quality of the product we deliver and our continued journey towards operational excellence.”

He added the two businesses “have a strong match in culture and values” and were both keen to learn from each other to jointly expand.

“Today we lay the foundation for a healthy and long-term successful cooperation that will ensure stability and predictability for our people and our customers, who will benefit from our increased size and enhanced service levels.”

The letter sent to customers also said the deal would bring Royal Sens closer to its customers in the UK, enabling optimised lead times, increased flexibility, and the removal of import barriers.

“For Tipografic the merger offers contingency in its production capacity, access to the markets in continental Europe and a guaranteed long-term future while the company completes the transition from its original founders to the next generation,” the letter continued.

“Combined, Royal Sens and Tipografic will ensure stability and predictability for our customers, who will benefit from our increased size and enhanced service levels.

“Both Tipografic and Royal Sens will remain focused on serving our customers with the same dedication and quality which we have always provided.”