Northern Irish packaging solutions provider Zeus Group has acquired Cima Paper, an Italian paper and board converter for the packaging sector.

Cima was established in 1870 and offers a comprehensive range of papers for corrugated converters, as well as coreboard for tubes, cores, rings, and edge protectors.

The company operates under the Forest Stewardship Council's chain of custody certification, ensuring responsible and sustainable sourcing.

Cima generates annual revenues of €65m ($70.8m).

Zeus Group CEO Keith Ockenden said: "We are thrilled to welcome the Cima Paper to the Zeus Group family. With a long-standing tradition in the industry, Cima Paper aligns perfectly with Zeus Group's vertically integrated strategy, optimising supply chains and delivering enhanced value across our finished products, particularly within the manufacturing, food and retail packaging sectors.”

The group will use Cima's scale, expertise, and resources in current and future supply chains and expand its existing manufacturing capability.

The acquisition will also streamline Cima's existing Italian operations and expand its reach across Europe.

Giacomo and his father Giovanni Cima will continue to lead the business post-acquisition.

Ockenden added: "Through this acquisition, we will harness our combined strengths and resources to deliver even greater value to our customers. By integrating Cima Paper into Zeus Group, we are strategically positioned to offer optimised solutions, drive innovation, and ensure continuity and reliability in the supply of raw materials for paper mills."

This is the latest acquisition for Zeus and comes after the company acquired the Northern Ireland-based business James Hamilton Group earlier this month.

This February, Zeus acquired Polpack, a Polish supplier of packaging materials and machinery.