PE investor backs acquisition of balloon printing business

Amscan International, a portfolio company of Leeds-based private equity investor Endless, has acquired Luftballon-Markt GmbH.

Located in Dinslaken, Germany, Luftballon has developed digital technology for the printing of foil balloons.

The acquisition of Luftballon accelerates a key element of Amscan’s business strategy to be a leading provider of personalised and promotional products, such as photo-prints, message balloons, license balloons and advertising prints.

This acquisition is the first since the management buy-out of Amscan International and is an important step in the Group’s strategic plan.

Gary Panons, CEO of Amscan International, said: “The acquisition is a milestone moment for Amscan International being a first significant step into personalised products, an important strategic initiative for the Group.

“We believe that through combining the complementary Luftballon business with Amscan International, there are significant opportunities to grow both businesses through unlocking further capability and expanding services into the Amscan International customer base.

“We look forward to working with Andre, Nick and the rest of the Luftballon team to support their future growth.”

Matthew Jubb, partner at Endless LLP, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Amscan International with their first acquisition since the management buy-out in January this year.

“This acquisition further accelerates the momentum in our strategy to transform and diversify the operations of this business.

“We are actively exploring further bolt-on opportunities to achieve the Amscan International growth plans.”

Amscan International was advised by Osborne Clark.