Novvia expands with Saxco acquisition, entering consumer packaging market

Global rigid packaging distributor Novvia Group has finalized a deal to acquire Saxco International, LLC, a leading supplier of packaging solutions for the beverage and food industries. Backed by Kelso & Company, a prominent private equity firm, Novvia’s acquisition of Saxco reflects its commitment to scaling operations and diversifying its portfolio within the rigid packaging sector.

Saxco, headquartered in Fairfield, California, has been a market leader since its founding in 1936, offering an extensive range of glass, metal, and plastic containers, closures, and other packaging solutions. With this acquisition, Novvia strengthens its foothold in the consumer packaging market, building on its existing leadership in industrial and life sciences packaging.

How Saxco Enhances Novvia’s Capabilities

For decades, Saxco has been a trusted partner for over 5,000 wineries, brewers, distillers, and specialty food manufacturers across North America. The company operates more than 1 million square feet of warehouse space spread across 20 fulfillment centers, providing access to over 10,000 unique SKUs.

Saxco’s product offerings go beyond rigid packaging, including services like packaging design, demand planning, case packing, and artwork management. This broad spectrum of capabilities aligns seamlessly with Novvia’s strategic goals.

Saxco CEO JB Berry expressed optimism about the partnership, noting that Novvia’s organizational resources would enhance Saxco’s ability to serve its customer base while opening doors for growth. He credited Saxco employees for their dedication, which has solidified the company’s industry reputation.

Strategic Benefits for Novvia

The acquisition marks Novvia’s strategic entry into the consumer-focused rigid packaging market, which complements its existing expertise in industrial and life sciences packaging. By integrating Saxco’s experienced leadership team, Novvia will establish a consumer product distribution division, setting the stage for both organic and inorganic growth.

Executive Chairman Ken Roessler described the acquisition as a milestone in Novvia’s history, underscoring the importance of leveraging Saxco’s expertise to expand Novvia’s market presence across diverse industries. The move reinforces Novvia’s position as a comprehensive solutions provider, addressing the evolving needs of its global customer base.

Kelso & Company’s Role in Driving Growth

Novvia’s growth trajectory is backed by Kelso & Company, a private equity firm with a storied history of supporting high-growth distribution and packaging platforms. Since its inception in 1980, Kelso has invested over $20 billion in equity capital across 140 transactions.

Kelso’s investment philosophy, rooted in alignment and partnership, has made it a preferred collaborator for management teams. The firm’s deep sector expertise and successful investment track record enable it to provide Novvia with the financial and strategic resources needed to achieve its ambitious goals.

Industry Implications of the Acquisition

The combination of Novvia’s existing strengths and Saxco’s expertise sets a new standard in the rigid packaging industry. With an expanded product portfolio and a broadened geographic reach, the partnership positions Novvia as a leading supplier across various markets, from consumer products to life sciences and industrial packaging.

This acquisition also reflects broader trends in the packaging industry, where companies are increasingly consolidating to offer end-to-end solutions. By integrating innovative services like packaging design and demand planning into its offerings, Novvia is poised to meet the rising demand for comprehensive packaging solutions.

What This Means for Customers

For customers, the Novvia-Saxco partnership translates into enhanced access to high-quality packaging solutions. With a stronger distribution network and a more diverse product range, businesses in the beverage, food, and other industries can expect improved efficiency and responsiveness.

The integration of Saxco’s services, such as artwork management and case packing, further underscores Novvia’s commitment to delivering value-added solutions tailored to customer needs.

A Milestone for Novvia’s Growth Strategy

This acquisition represents more than a business deal; it’s a strategic move that solidifies Novvia’s position as a market leader. By leveraging Saxco’s capabilities and Kelso’s resources, Novvia is not only expanding its operational footprint but also redefining the standards for rigid packaging solutions.

As the rigid packaging industry continues to evolve, Novvia’s proactive approach ensures it remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering unmatched value to its global customer base.