PMCF’s View on the M&A Market
M&A volume for Global Plastics recorded 24 transactions in January 2020, which was the same level as last year and a continuation of strong activity levels. Private equity platform and strategic buyer transactions increased year-over-year as several marquee transactions were announced or closed.
Global Packaging M&A activity in January 2020 increased 12% over 2018 levels to 28 announced or closed transactions. The Other Packaging sub-sector, namely Machinery/Equipment and Distribution packaging companies, attributed most of the growth during the month with eight transactions. Strategic buyers increased share of total transactions at the expense of both private equity platform and add-on transactions.
Global public markets retreated in January as fears of the Coronavirus led to plant shut-downs, overall decreases in global trade, and adjusted operating outlooks for 2020. PMCF’s Plastics & Packaging indices were all impacted with the exception of the Other Packaging index.
PMCF Industry M&A Activity Tracking
Notable M&A Activity
Major News in Plastics & Packaging
- Fastmarkets RISI: US economic activity in manufacturing sector expands in January for 129th consecutive month
- Wall Street Journal: Coronavirus Toll on Shipping Reaches $350 Million a Week
- Plastics News: Outlook for construction: Early signs for ’20 looking up
- Plastics News: A January surprise for polyethylene prices
Public Entity Performance
Plastics M&A Update – March 2026
Global Plastics M&A experienced recorded 38 transactions in March, representing an uptick of seven deals from the prior month and five deals from last March.
Packaging M&A Update – March 2026
Global Packaging M&A activity improved in March, with 27 deals announced.
Plastics M&A Pulse – 2025 Year In Review
Global Plastics M&A recorded its fourth consecutive year of deal volume growth with 420 transactions, highlighting a steady rebound following the record-setting activity of 2021.
Packaging M&A Pulse – 2025 Year In Review
The Global Packaging M&A market achieved its third consecutive year of growth in 2025 with 344 transactions, up 22 deals from 2024.
Packaging M&A Update – February 2026
Global Packaging M&A tapered in February as 20 deals were announced in the sector, down more than 30% from prior month and prior year levels.