A deal to create one of the largest packaging corporations in the world was approved this week by shareholders of both Evansville-based Berry Global Group Inc. and Switzerland-based Amcor plc.
Amcor is acquiring Berry Global in an all-stock deal valued around $8.4 billion. Berry said in a news release Wednesday the merger was approved by more than 98% of shareholders who voted for both companies.
In a prepared statement, Berry CEO Kevin Kwilinsk said he’s “excited to take another important step toward finalizing this combination between Berry and Amcor and are pleased the shareholders of both companies clearly recognize the significant opportunities we will have as one company to deliver enhanced value for all stakeholders.”
The acquisition is expected to close in mid-2025.
Berry Global says it has around 34,000 employees. With the merger, the combined company would have a total revenue of $24 billion, employing about 70,000 employees across 400 production facilities around the world.
The combined company will retain the Amcor name, with its head office remaining in Zurich. However, Amcor noted that the company will maintain a “significant presence” in Evansville.
Berry Global Group is the sixth-largest public company in Indiana with $12.7 billion in revenue in 2023, according to IBJ research. Berry makes packaging materials and plastics with a focus on packing health care products.
In the months before the merger with Amcor, Berry Global spun off its Health, Hygiene and Specialties Global Nonwovens and Films business.