Lurgan-based print and packaging business, James Hamilton Group, has been acquired by an Irish-owned global packaging solutions company, the Zeus Group.

The purchase, made for an undisclosed sum, is part of Zeus Group’s 2023 growth strategy to expand its revenues beyond €500m ($541.4m).

With an annual sales total of €18m (£15.4m) and 120 employees, James Hamilton Group supplies packaging, label production, office supplies and PPE solutions across various sectors such as retail, food and beverage, logistics and distribution.

Enhanced offering and shared values

James Hamilton Group managing director Keith Hamilton expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, stating they were pleased to have found a partner who shared their “family” values.

He emphasised the importance of a partner who would invest in the business, take care of their staff and provide an enhanced offering to their loyal customers.

The acquisition will allow the Zeus Group to broaden its current offering in the food and retail packaging sector and leverage the combined operational efficiencies in Northern Ireland.

Zeus Group’s growth strategy

The Zeus Group has been expanding its global presence since 2019, with 51 locations worldwide.

They have embarked on a series of acquisitions, including Dublin-based Essential Supplies and Aldar Tissues, Limerick Packaging, UK firms Smith & Bateson, Van Der Windt and Vaiopak Group, Plasti-Cart in the Canary Islands, Petruzalek in Austria, and Polpack in Poland.

The acquisition of James Hamilton Group aligns with their strategy to achieve significant growth and drive innovation in the packaging industry.

Continued operations under an established brand

Despite the acquisition, James Hamilton Group will continue to operate under its existing brand. The company will leverage its manufacturing expertise and management team to further enhance its market position.

The collaboration between the Zeus Group and James Hamilton Group aims to provide customers with an enhanced service, improved product quality and expanded manufacturing capabilities to meet their unique requirements.