Carrier bag manufacturer Nelson Packaging changes hands

AN East Lancashire manufacturer of environmentally-friendly carrier bags has changed hands.

Nelson Packaging, which has annual sales of around £6m and 50 staff, has made carrier bags for more than 30 years and specialises in products made from recycled materials and water-based ink.

The Nelson-based company, which supplies a number a leading retailers including Curry’s, has been acquired by Warrington-based trade buyer EDCAWI, for an undisclosed sum.

EDCAWI, which is registered to an office at Stone Cross Park, Golbourne, is a sister company and shares a number of directors with Intelipac, a £26m turnover packaging group.

Outgoing Nelson Packaging managing director Richard Jones said: “We believe this sale, which was at times a complex transaction, is a great deal for both sides and the employees of Nelson Packaging.”

The corporate team at Lancashire law firm Napthens, including partner Richard Robinson and assistant Sharon Harrison, advised Nelson Packaging on the sale.

Mr Robinson said: “We are delighted to have completed the sale of Nelson Packaging to another UK company which is committed to the continued success of the business in a deal which highlights the strength of the manufacturing sector in East Lancashire.”

Peter Johnson, partner, of Cassons, provided technical accounting and taxation advice to Nelson Packaging.

John Spofforth of law firm O’Connors acted for EDCAWI Limited.