M&A specialists advise on sale of 218-year-old business

Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM’s M&A and private equity team has advised on the sale of Knowsley-based Smith Bateson Holdings, a paper and polythene packaging distributor, to Zeus Packaging Investments (UK), for an undisclosed sum.

Established in 1801, Smith Bateson is one of the UK’s leading packaging distributors, delivering plain and printed point of sale packaging to retailers across the UK.

Zeus Packaging, based near Bedford, North London, has grown significantly across the UK and internationally offering packaging and hygiene needs to a range of sectors including industrial, agricultural, food and drink, hospitality and fashion.

The transaction combines two complementary businesses and enhances the existing portfolio of services for Zeus Packaging and strengthens its presence within the packaging sector.

The Manchester-based RSM team, led by corporate finance partner John Gillibrand with support from Nick Wyatt, Christian Hitchen and Ben Everson, acted for the shareholders of Smith Bateson Holdings.

Brabner’s Daniel Hayhurst and Mark Rathbone acted as legal advisers to the shareholders.

John Gillibrand, corporate finance partner at RSM, said: “Both businesses have continued to evolve within the market and the latest transaction brings real synergies which will enhance the service offering, geographic reach and capability of the combined business.”