Who Owns Berlin Packaging Company?

Berlin Packaging Bundle

Get Full Bundle:

	BCG	$15	$10
	5 FORCES	$15	$10
	CANVAS	$15	$10
	4P's MIX	$15	$10
	PESTLE	$15	$10
	SWOT	$15	$10

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

Who Owns Berlin Packaging?

Understanding the ownership structure of a global enterprise like Berlin Packaging is crucial for discerning its strategic trajectory, operational influence, and overall accountability in the market. A pivotal development in the company's recent history, highlighting the significance of ownership, was the launch of its '1Berlin Shared Ownership Program' in September 2024, which extended ownership stakes to its global employee base. Berlin Packaging, currently known by its unified name, was founded in 1988 when Andrew T. Berlin acquired Alco Packaging, though its roots trace back to Riekes Container, established in 1898. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Berlin Packaging has evolved into the world's largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier, offering a comprehensive range of glass, plastic, and metal containers and closures, alongside extensive services like structural design and supply chain management.

The company's vision, since its inception, has been to provide complete packaging solutions that enhance sales, reduce costs, and improve productivity for its diverse clientele across industries such as automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics. As of November 2024, Berlin Packaging employed 2,200 individuals and reported a revenue of $3 billion in 2024, maintaining its position as a top private company. This substantial size and market footprint underscore the importance of examining its ownership dynamics.

Delving into the Berlin Packaging ownership structure reveals a complex interplay of founders, private equity partners, and, notably, its employees. While Andrew T. Berlin, the founder, remains a significant figure, the company's growth has been significantly fueled by strategic investments from private equity firms. These partnerships have been instrumental in its expansion and market consolidation. The recent introduction of the '1Berlin Shared Ownership Program' in September 2024 signifies a deliberate move to broaden ownership, integrating the workforce directly into the company's success. This program aims to align employee interests with those of the broader ownership base, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and long-term commitment. Understanding who invested in Berlin Packaging and the subsequent ownership changes provides critical insight into its strategic direction and operational philosophy. The Berlin Packaging company history ownership is marked by key acquisitions and strategic alliances that have shaped its current market leadership.

The journey of Berlin Packaging's ownership began with its founder, Andrew T. Berlin, acquiring Alco Packaging in 1988, building upon the legacy of Riekes Container from 1898. Over the years, significant private equity involvement has shaped its trajectory. For instance, in 2014, a major private equity firm acquired a significant stake, facilitating substantial growth and international expansion. More recently, in 2021, another prominent private equity investor became a key stakeholder, further bolstering the company's capabilities and market reach. This evolution highlights a common strategy for privately held companies seeking capital for aggressive growth and operational enhancements. The Berlin Packaging acquisition history is a testament to its strategic value and market potential.

As of late 2024, the primary owners of Berlin Packaging LLC are understood to include its founder's family, alongside significant holdings by its key private equity partners. The '1Berlin Shared Ownership Program,' launched in September 2024, also makes its employees shareholders, creating a unique ownership dynamic. This distributed ownership model is designed to foster loyalty and align employee incentives with the company's performance. The question of 'Is Berlin Packaging publicly traded?' is answered with a clear no; it remains a privately held entity. This private status allows for more agile decision-making and long-term strategic planning, unburdened by the quarterly pressures often faced by public companies.

The Berlin Packaging board of directors ownership structure reflects its diverse stakeholder base. The board typically comprises representatives from the founding family, key executives from the private equity firms that hold substantial investments, and independent directors with expertise in the packaging industry and corporate governance. The Berlin Packaging CEO and ownership are closely linked, with leadership roles often held by individuals with significant equity stakes or strong ties to the founding ownership. This alignment ensures that strategic decisions are made with a vested interest in the company's long-term success. The Berlin Packaging financial ownership is therefore a blend of legacy, institutional investment, and employee participation.

Key stakeholders in Berlin Packaging include not only its equity owners but also its extensive customer base, which relies on its comprehensive packaging solutions, such as those detailed in the Berlin Packaging BCG Matrix. The company's commitment to providing complete packaging solutions, from design to supply chain, makes its customers vital partners in its ecosystem. The Berlin Packaging company valuation ownership is influenced by its consistent revenue growth and market leadership in the hybrid packaging sector.

The formal establishment of Berlin Packaging occurred in 1988. This pivotal moment saw lawyer Andrew T. Berlin join his father in acquiring Alco Packaging, a Chicago-based container company with a long operational history. The acquisition led to the rebranding of the entity as Berlin Packaging, building upon the existing foundation of Alco Packaging, which itself had acquired Riekes Container in 1975. Riekes Container was originally founded in 1898, highlighting the deep roots of the business that would become Berlin Packaging.

Andrew T. Berlin emerged as the central figure in defining the early ownership structure and strategic direction for the newly named company. While precise details regarding initial equity splits or specific shareholding percentages from its inception are not publicly available, Andrew T. Berlin's leadership in the acquisition and subsequent rebranding strongly indicates a significant controlling stake from the outset. The early strategic focus was on leveraging the established infrastructure and market presence of Alco Packaging to develop a comprehensive packaging solutions provider.

There is no public information available that details early backers such as angel investors or friends and family acquiring stakes during this initial phase. Similarly, specific early agreements, like vesting schedules or buy-sell clauses, are not widely documented. Public records also do not highlight any initial ownership disputes or buyouts within the founding team, suggesting a period of unified leadership under Andrew T. Berlin as the company embarked on its growth journey.

Founding Year

Berlin Packaging was formally established in 1988. This marked a significant transition for the company.

Key Acquisition

The company's origins trace back to the acquisition of Alco Packaging. This acquisition was a foundational step.

Founding Figure

Andrew T. Berlin was instrumental in the company's formation and early direction. His leadership shaped its initial trajectory.

Predecessor Company

Alco Packaging had a history dating back to its acquisition of Riekes Container in 1975. Riekes Container was founded in 1898.

Early Vision

The initial vision focused on leveraging existing infrastructure. The goal was to create a comprehensive packaging solutions provider.

Ownership Details

Specific initial equity splits are not publicly disclosed. Andrew T. Berlin is understood to have held a significant controlling stake.

Early Ownership Landscape

The early ownership structure of Berlin Packaging was primarily shaped by Andrew T. Berlin following the 1988 acquisition. Public records do not indicate the involvement of external investors or significant early funding rounds that would dilute this control. The company's history suggests a focused approach to growth under a singular leadership vision, without publicly documented ownership disputes or early buyouts.

• Founding of Berlin Packaging: 1988
• Acquisition of Alco Packaging
• Andrew T. Berlin's central role in early ownership
• No public record of early angel investors or friends/family stakes
• No public record of initial ownership disputes or buyouts

Berlin Packaging SWOT Analysis

• Complete SWOT Breakdown
• Fully Customizable
• Editable in Excel & Word
• Professional Formatting
• Investor-Ready Format

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The ownership journey of Berlin Packaging has been significantly shaped by private equity involvement and a consistent strategy of expansion through acquisitions. This evolution reflects a deliberate approach to scaling the business and broadening its market reach.

The company's trajectory shifted notably in 2007 when Investcorp acquired a majority stake, initiating a period of private equity-driven growth. This partnership facilitated numerous strategic acquisitions, enhancing Berlin Packaging's operational capabilities and market presence.

As of July 2025, the primary stakeholders in Berlin Packaging include Oak Hill Capital Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB). Additional investors such as Colpatria Capital and ICG Enterprise Trust also hold stakes. The management team, led by Global CEO and President Bill Hayes, maintains a financial interest in the company. This ownership structure, heavily influenced by private equity, has been instrumental in driving Berlin Packaging's aggressive acquisition strategy, which saw the completion of 40 acquisitions by April 2025. S&P Global Ratings noted this leveraged financial profile in May 2024, underscoring the growth strategy supported by its controlling owners.

Key Stakeholders in Berlin Packaging

The ownership of Berlin Packaging is primarily held by private equity firms and institutional investors, reflecting its growth-oriented strategy.

• Oak Hill Capital Partners is a significant majority owner.
• The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is a major institutional investor.
• Other investors include Colpatria Capital and ICG Enterprise Trust.
• The executive management team also holds a financial stake in the company.
• This ownership structure supports the company's active acquisition strategy, as detailed in the Revenue Streams & Business Model of Berlin Packaging.

Berlin Packaging PESTLE Analysis

• Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
• No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
• Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
• Instant Download, Ready to Use
• 100% Editable, Fully Customizable

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The Board of Directors at Berlin Packaging is instrumental in guiding the company's strategic direction, especially considering its ownership by private equity firms. While specific details on every board member are not publicly disclosed, it's understood that the board composition reflects the interests of its major stakeholders. These typically include significant investors like Oak Hill Capital Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB). Andrew T. Berlin, a founder and substantial minority shareholder, also maintains considerable influence over the company's governance.

The voting power within Berlin Packaging, as a privately held company backed by private equity, is primarily determined by shareholder agreements. Unlike publicly traded companies, there isn't a publicly defined one-share-one-vote system or complex share classes. Instead, control is concentrated among the key private equity investors and influential individuals. The board, in conjunction with Oak Hill Capital Partners and CPPIB, has been actively involved in major strategic decisions. A notable example is their support for the '1Berlin Shared Ownership Program,' which was introduced in September 2024. To date, there have been no public reports of proxy fights, activist investor actions, or significant governance disputes, indicating a stable operational environment under the current ownership structure.

The ownership structure of Berlin Packaging is a key factor in understanding its decision-making processes and strategic initiatives. As a privately held entity, its operational and governance frameworks are shaped by its principal investors. This private equity backing allows for a more concentrated approach to strategic planning and capital allocation, often differing from the dynamics of publicly traded corporations. The company's focus on growth and operational efficiency is a direct reflection of the objectives set by its ownership group, aiming to enhance its market position and overall valuation. Understanding who owns Berlin Packaging is crucial for grasping its business trajectory and its place within the broader Competitors Landscape of Berlin Packaging.

Berlin Packaging Ownership Dynamics

The ownership of Berlin Packaging is primarily held by private equity firms and significant individual stakeholders. This structure influences its strategic decisions and operational focus.

• Oak Hill Capital Partners is a primary investor.
• The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) also holds a significant stake.
• Founder Andrew T. Berlin remains an influential minority shareholder.
• The company is not publicly traded, meaning its ownership is not dispersed among the general public.
• Voting power is concentrated among the major shareholders, guiding the company's direction.

Berlin Packaging Business Model Canvas

• Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
• Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
• Investor-Ready BMC Format
• 100% Editable and Customizable
• Clear and Structured Layout

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Over the last three to five years, the ownership landscape of Berlin Packaging has seen significant shifts, primarily driven by strategic acquisitions and a notable move towards broader employee ownership. A key development in September 2024 was the launch of the '1Berlin Shared Ownership Program.' This program extends an ownership stake to all eligible global employees who have been with the company for at least two continuous years, requiring no financial contribution from them. This initiative, backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners and CPPIB, aims to boost employee engagement and align the workforce with the company's value creation efforts.

The company has maintained a robust growth strategy through mergers and acquisitions, completing 40 acquisitions by April 2025. This averages nearly two acquisitions per year over the past three years. Recent additions to its portfolio include Rixius AG in November 2024, Nissho Jitsugyo in September 2024, Alpack in January 2024, and Cosmei in July 2025. These acquisitions reflect expansion into diverse geographical regions and specialized packaging sectors, such as beauty and cosmetics. These strategic moves are heavily supported by the company's private equity investors.

Industry trends, such as increasing institutional ownership and founder dilution, are evident in Berlin Packaging's transition from its origins to its current structure, which is heavily influenced by private equity. While founder Andrew T. Berlin retains a substantial minority stake, the majority control now resides with private equity firms. The company's commitment to sustainability, as detailed in its 2024 Sustainability Report released in July 2025, is a significant strategic focus that influences its operations and may attract investors who prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. There are no public announcements regarding an immediate privatization or public listing, as the current private equity-backed model appears to be instrumental in facilitating its rapid, acquisition-led growth, which also impacts its Target Market of Berlin Packaging.

Employee Ownership Program

The '1Berlin Shared Ownership Program,' launched in September 2024, grants ownership stakes to eligible employees with at least two years of service. This initiative requires no financial investment from employees, aiming to foster engagement and align the workforce with company value creation.

Acquisition Strategy

Berlin Packaging has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, completing 40 acquisitions by April 2025. This growth is supported by private equity backers and includes recent acquisitions in diverse markets and specialized segments.

Ownership Structure Evolution

The company's ownership has shifted from its founder to a private equity-backed model. While the founder retains a significant minority stake, majority control rests with private equity firms, reflecting industry trends in ownership.

Sustainability Focus

Sustainability is a key strategic trend influencing operations, as highlighted in the 2024 Sustainability Report. This focus may attract investors aligned with ESG principles, shaping future ownership considerations.

Berlin Packaging Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
• Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
• 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
• Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked

GET TEMPLATE ➔