Shareholders at TC Transcontinental have voted in favour of selling the company's packaging sector to ProAmpac Holdings. Approval was secured at a special shareholder meeting, with 99.98% of votes supporting the deal, well above the required threshold. The outcome follows a deal sealed in December 2025, under which ProAmpac agreed to acquire all shares related to TC Transcontinental’s packaging operations for $1.51bn. Completion of the sale is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026, contingent on reg ...

MONTREAL, Feb. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transcontinental Inc. (“TC Transcontinental”) (TSX: TCL.A, TCL.B) announces that its shareholders approved the sale of the TC Transcontinental Packaging business to ProAmpac Holdings Inc. (“ProAmpac”) at the Special Meeting of Shareholders held earlier today. This approval follows the execution of the stock purchase agreement between TC Transcontinental and ProAmpac on December 7, 2025, and announced on December 8, 2025, pursuant to which ProAmpac agreed to purcha ...

Core Insights - Amerplast Group has secured a five-year unitranche term loan from HIG Bayside Capital Europe to refinance its current debt commitments [1][3] - The refinancing aims to support Amerplast's business operations, investments, and long-term strategic growth plan [2][3] Company Overview - Amerplast manufactures flexible packaging for various sectors including food and beverage, hygiene, bakery, retail, and industry [1] - The company operates five factories across Europe, with operational bases in Finland and the UK, and employs approximately 470 people [1] Strategic Focus - Amerplast's strategy emphasizes maintaining customer partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and enhancing automation and production capacity [2] - The company has undergone significant operational transformation, investing in facilities, technology, sustainability, and product innovation [3] Financing Details - The new financing partnership with Bayside Capital provides a stable and flexible capital structure for Amerplast [3] - Bayside Capital specializes in special situations and targets middle-market businesses, operating from eight locations across the US and Europe [4] Market Position - Amerplast is recognized as a high-quality, innovative, and resilient business with strong market positions in attractive end markets [5] - The company has demonstrated consistent EBITDA growth, supported by a disciplined commercial model and an engaged management team [5]

Core Insights - US-based packaging company Soteria Flexibles is set to acquire Canadian flexible packaging producer Imaflex for C$123 million ($89.2 million) [1][2] - The acquisition will involve Soteria purchasing all common shares of Imaflex at C$2.35 each in cash, with the deal expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 [1][2] - Imaflex will be delisted and operate as a privately held company post-acquisition [1] Company Details - Imaflex, founded in 1994, specializes in producing polyethylene films and flexible packaging solutions for various sectors including industrial, agricultural, food, and consumer [3][4] - The company operates manufacturing sites in Canada and the US [4] - Soteria, a portfolio company of private equity firm TJC, focuses on short-run, custom flexible packaging and high-performance films, serving end markets such as food, healthcare, industrial, and consumer applications [4] Strategic Fit - Soteria CEO Brad Herbolsheimer emphasized that the acquisition is a natural fit, enhancing Soteria's scale, capabilities, and geographic reach [2] - Imaflex's executive chairman Joe Abbandonato noted that the transaction positions the business for long-term success by leveraging combined resources and creating new opportunities for employees [3]

Core Insights - Sacchital is expanding its operations by adding a new flexographic printing facility in Pregnana, Italy, which will enhance its production capabilities and support its growth strategy [1][2] Group 1: Facility and Technology - The new site will cover 2,200m² and will feature a BOBST VISION CI press, complementing existing rotogravure and digital printing technologies [1] - The facility is designed to accommodate four flexo machines and aims to improve efficiency in serving a differentiated and fragmented market [2] - The VISION CI press is equipped with automated functions to reduce setup times, improve repeatability, and limit waste, and can handle both solvent-based and water-based inks [3] Group 2: Production and Workflow Enhancements - Sacchital is collaborating with BOBST specialists to refine production workflows and plans to implement seven-colour extended colour gamut (ECG) printing, which is expected to enhance productivity and sustainability [4] - The ECG printing will also support downstream processes such as finishing, varnishing, and heat sealing, contributing to overall cost efficiency and colour consistency [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Sacchital Group specializes in paper-based flexible packaging and has been in the industry for over 80 years, reporting annual revenue of €140 million ($164.4 million) [5] - Approximately half of the company's revenue is generated from exports to markets including Europe, the US, and North Africa [5] - The company employs 400 staff across five production sites, with a total output capacity of 600 million square meters [6]

Core Insights - Soteria Flexibles Corp. has announced its acquisition of Imaflex Inc., enhancing its North American flexible packaging platform and capabilities across key end markets [1][2][3] Company Overview - Soteria Flexibles is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in short-run flexible packaging solutions, serving various end markets including food, healthcare, industrial, and consumer applications [5] - Imaflex Inc. is a Montreal-based manufacturer known for high-performance films and flexible packaging solutions, with a strong reputation in innovative polyethylene films across multiple sectors [3][7] Transaction Details - The acquisition involves Soteria purchasing all outstanding common shares of Imaflex for CAD $2.35 per share, totaling approximately CAD $123 million in equity value [2] - Upon completion, Imaflex will transition to a privately held company [2] Strategic Fit and Benefits - The transaction is described as a natural fit for Soteria, leveraging Imaflex's technical expertise, customer relationships, and manufacturing capabilities to create a more diversified platform [3][4] - The combined entities aim to enhance their North American footprint, improve service speed and reliability, and foster innovation [4][6] Cultural Alignment - Both companies emphasize strong cultural alignment and shared values, which are expected to facilitate a smooth integration process and support long-term success [4][6] Approval and Timeline - The acquisition has received unanimous approval from Imaflex's board of directors, with a recommendation for shareholders to vote in favor [4] - The transaction is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals [4][6]

Core Insights - Transcontinental Inc. reported improved adjusted net earnings per share for the fourth consecutive quarter, reflecting the positive impact of profitability improvement initiatives [3] - The company is well-positioned for future growth following the sale of its Packaging Sector for $2.1 billion, which is expected to create significant value for shareholders [4][7] Financial Performance - Revenues for Q4 2025 were $732.4 million, a decrease of 2.3% from $749.3 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to lower volume in the Retail Services and Printing Sector [6][9] - Operating earnings before depreciation and amortization decreased by 10.3% to $118.2 million in Q4 2025, impacted by lower volumes and increased restructuring costs [10][11] - Net earnings attributable to shareholders decreased by 10.4% to $42.9 million in Q4 2025, with earnings per share dropping from $0.57 to $0.51 [12] - For fiscal year 2025, total revenues were $2,743.9 million, down 2.5% from $2,812.9 million in fiscal year 2024 [14] - Operating earnings before depreciation and amortization increased by 11.4% to $473.1 million for fiscal year 2025, driven by cost reduction initiatives [16] - Net earnings attributable to shareholders rose by 41.0% to $171.0 million for fiscal year 2025, with earnings per share increasing from $1.41 to $2.04 [18] Sector Performance - The Packaging Sector experienced a modest increase in volume in Q4 2025, benefiting from cost reduction initiatives [4] - The Retail Services and Printing Sector faced challenges in Q4 2025 due to a labor conflict at Canada Post, but distribution has resumed, which is expected to improve earnings in fiscal 2026 [5] Strategic Developments - The company completed business acquisitions during fiscal year 2025 to enhance growth in in-store marketing activities [7] - The renewal of the printing contract for The Globe and Mail for a 10-year period is expected to provide stability to the newspaper printing segment [5] Outlook - The sale of the Packaging Sector is anticipated to close in Q1 2026, subject to regulatory approvals [21] - The company expects lower volumes in traditional activities but anticipates growth in in-store marketing activities, partially offsetting declines [21][22] - Adjusted operating earnings before depreciation from continuing operations for fiscal year 2026 are expected to remain stable compared to fiscal year 2025 [22]

Core Insights - Transcontinental Inc. reported improved adjusted net earnings per share for the fourth consecutive quarter, reflecting the positive impact of profitability improvement initiatives [3] - The company anticipates that the sale of its Packaging Sector for $2.1 billion will create significant value for shareholders [4][7] - Despite challenges in the Retail Services and Printing Sector due to a labor conflict at Canada Post, the company expects reduced impacts in fiscal 2026 as distribution resumes [5] Financial Highlights - For Q4 2025, revenues decreased by 2.3% to $732.4 million from $749.3 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to lower volume in the Retail Services and Printing Sector [9] - Operating earnings before depreciation and amortization fell by 10.3% to $118.2 million in Q4 2025, down from $131.8 million in Q4 2024 [10] - Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders increased by 1.9% to $68.6 million in Q4 2025, with adjusted net earnings per share rising by 3.8% to $0.82 [13] Annual Performance - For fiscal year 2025, total revenues decreased by 2.5% to $2,743.9 million from $2,812.9 million in fiscal year 2024 [14] - Operating earnings before depreciation and amortization increased by 11.4% to $473.1 million, compared to $424.7 million in fiscal year 2024 [15] - Net earnings attributable to shareholders rose by 41.0% to $171.0 million, with earnings per share increasing by 44.7% to $2.04 [17] Strategic Developments - The company completed business acquisitions during the fiscal year to enhance growth in in-store marketing activities [7] - A 10-year renewal of the printing contract for The Globe and Mail is expected to provide stability to the newspaper printing segment [5] - The company plans to close the sale of its Packaging Sector in the first quarter of calendar year 2026, pending regulatory approvals [20] Outlook - The company expects adjusted operating earnings before depreciation from continuing operations for fiscal year 2026 to remain stable compared to fiscal year 2025 [21] - Anticipated lower volumes in traditional activities, such as book printing, will be partially offset by growth in in-store marketing activities [20]

Group 1 - Kent Road Capital has established a new platform company, Bloor Street Flexibles, focusing on the North American flexible packaging market [1][3] - The first acquisition involves a manufacturer of sustainable flexible films serving the food and beverage, agriculture, and industrial sectors in the US and Canada [1][2] - Bloor Street Flexibles is formed in partnership with Dave Timm, a senior industry executive with over 30 years of experience in flexible packaging [2] Group 2 - The establishment of Bloor Street Flexibles aligns with Kent Road Capital's strategy to acquire manufacturers of specialty films and sustainable packaging solutions [3] - Legal advice for the transaction was provided by Torys and Lavery, while Portage Point Partners acted as the financial adviser [3] - The flexible packaging industry is described as being at an inflection point, with increasing customer demand for sustainable, high-performance solutions [4]

Core Viewpoint - ProAmpac has agreed to acquire TC Transcontinental Packaging (TCP) for $1.51 billion, with the deal expected to finalize in the first quarter of 2026, pending shareholder approval and regulatory clearances [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will enhance ProAmpac's manufacturing footprint across North America, Latin America, the UK, and New Zealand [2]. - The transaction aims to broaden ProAmpac's sustainable packaging solutions and improve its material science capabilities, particularly in dairy, meat, medical, and pharmaceutical sectors [2][3]. - TCP reported revenues of approximately $1.2 billion for the 12 months ending July 27, 2025 [3]. Group 2: Operational Insights - TCP operates 25 plants and employs around 3,500 people, engaging in activities such as extrusion, printing, lamination, converting, and recycling [4]. - The company serves various markets, including dairy, coffee, meat, poultry, pet food, agriculture, beverages, home and personal care, consumer products, and medical sectors [4]. Group 3: Leadership and Advisory - ProAmpac's founder and CEO, Greg Tucker, emphasized the transformative nature of the acquisition and its potential to enhance customer offerings [3]. - Goldman Sachs is the lead financial adviser for ProAmpac, with J.P. Morgan Securities also advising, while legal counsel is provided by Kirkland & Ellis and McCarthy Tétrault [4].