Gerresheimer to boost plastics with Wilden takeover
8 December 2006 – Blackstone-owned German glass major Gerresheimer is in talks aimed at a takeover of leading injection moulder Wilden, according to German reports. Plans for the deal were lodged with Germany’s cartel authority last month and employees have been informed.
Wilden’s press department said in a statement: “The Wilden group and the Gerresheimer group are checking the possibilities of cooperation.”
Further information will be provided after the conclusion of negotiations, it added.
A local press report said the key issue is succession at Wilden, one of Europe’s top 50 moulders with nearly 1,500 employees. Chairman Hans Wilden and vice chairman Bert Wilden say the company is doing exceptionally well.
The ˆ600m turnover Dusseldorf-based Gerresheimer, acquired by venture capital major Blackstone two years ago, doubled its turnover in plastics to ˆ50m one year ago when it bought Superfos Pharma (PRW.com 14 December 2005). At that time, chief executive and president Axel Herberg said the group plans to become “a leading worldwide supplier of pharmaceutical packaging”.
A decision is expected from the cartel authority on 19 December.
