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
Packaging M&A Update – June 2026
Global Packaging M&A held steady in June with 27 transactions, in line with May and three deals above June 2025.
Plastics M&A Update – June 2026
Global Plastics M&A accelerated in June, with 46 transactions announced, an increase of 10 from May and eight from June 2025.
Packaging M&A Update – May 2026
Global Packaging M&A activity slowed slightly in May, with 27 deals announced. While this reflected only a one-deal decrease compared to April, activity rebounded meaningfully from May 2025, with ten more transactions announced.
Plastics M&A Update – May 2026
Global Plastics M&A recorded 36 transactions in May, increasing by five deals from April and seven from May 2025, bringing year-to-date volume to 188 transactions.
Packaging M&A Update – April 2026
Global Packaging M&A activity remained stable in April, with 28 deals announced, one fewer than April 2025 and slightly above March levels. Through the first four months of 2026, 105 deals have been announced, a 27-deal decrease from the prior-year period.