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UPM Raflatac has purchased British signage materials provider, Metamark, as part of the company’s plans to become a major player in the graphics sector
UPM Raflatac has acquired UK sign materials manufacturer, Metamark, in a deal worth a reported £146m.
Manufacturer UPM Raflatac, which is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, has purchased Metamark to accelerate its growth into the graphics sector, particularly for its recently developed UPM Graphics unit.
Metamark’s existing graphics business was also seen to strengthen UPM Raflatac’s overall competitiveness, significantly boosting the company’s market value.
UPM Graphics is a new strategic self-adhesive business unit within UPM Raflatac which was formed when the company acquired AMC AG and its graphics business in 2022.
The acquisition is part of a wider strategic decision by UPM to pursue global growth in graphics in recent years, both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. The company previously purchased Grafityp, a manufacturer of films and laminates, in 2024.
Independent UK law firm, Burges Salmon, advised on the acquisition.
Lancaster-based Metamark, a manufacturer and distributor of graphics solutions, was established in 1992. Its product portfolio consists of self-adhesive colour films, print films for large format colour printing, laminates, and wrapping films. The company currently employs approximately 185 people, with sales of the company estimated at approximately £65m.
Speaking of the acquisition, Tim Kirchen, executive vice president of UPM Raflatac, says: “This acquisition marks an important milestone in our transformation journey accelerating our growth, enabling us to grow our scale and become a complete product and service provider in this attractive business.
“The combination of Metamark’s broad product portfolio with our existing sales and distribution network allows us to grow also outside of Europe. We warmly welcome our new colleagues and look forward to working together to serve our customers with an even stronger product portfolio.”
Phil Wild, chief executive officer of Metamark, adds: “In joining the UPM Raflatac Graphics business unit, Metamark is securing a growth-focused future for our highly regarded specialist materials.
“This acquisition reflects the value of our market-led innovation, respected product portfolio, and ambitious plans for market and geographical growth. UPM brings the benefits of scale, resources, and a global presence, which will accelerate our shared vision for the graphics and allied markets.”
