Moore Kingston Smith advises Asteria Group on Label World acquisition

Moore Kingston Smith Corporate Finance was once again entrusted by Asteria Labels & Packaging Group, a leading labelling and packaging solutions firm in Europe backed by Waterland Private Equity, to advise on its acquisition of another printing company.

Following the recent acquisitions of Essex-based Compliance Labelling in 2023, and Dublin’s Label Tech in 2024, Asteria has relied on Moore Kingston Smith’s expertise to support its latest expansion with the acquisition of Ireland-based Label World.

Asteria has become a leading force in the European labelling and packaging printing sector, driven by strategic investment from Waterland.

With 34 advanced printing plants across Europe, Asteria Group offers a comprehensive range of labelling solutions and printing specialities. Committed to innovation and sustainability, the company has made significant investments in eco-friendly product development and offers sustainable alternatives for 90% of its products.

As part of its ambitious growth strategy, Asteria Group has expanded its portfolio with the addition of Dublin-based Label World.

Founded in 1998, AA BRC (BRCGS) & ISO 9001 approved printing company, Label World specialises in flexographic and digital printing, delivering high-quality solutions across a diverse range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage. With a dedicated team of 28 professionals, the company has built a strong reputation for excellence and reliability in the market.

This acquisition expands Asteria Group’s European labelling and packaging portfolio while integrating seamlessly with its existing Ireland-based labelling businesses. The addition of Label World further accelerates Asteria Group’s growth and strengthens its presence in key sectors, enhancing its ability to serve clients in Ireland.

Moore Kingston Smith Corporate Finance advised on financial and tax due diligence. Adele Hebditch, Director, who specialises in transaction services, led the team, supported by Holly Taylor, Manager, Dylan Sweeney and John Downes, Supervisors. Colin Dignam, Director, Leah Newport, Manager and Daniel O’Rourke, Senior Associate, from Moore Ireland, provided tax due diligence on the transaction.

Julien Vermeersch, Senior Associate at Waterland Private Equity, said: “This project marks our third collaboration with Moore Kingston Smith Corporate Finance on an acquisition, and their team consistently exceeds our expectations. Our primary goal is to facilitate Asteria’s growth, and to achieve this effectively, it’s crucial to have a trusted adviser with both financial expertise and the dedication to deliver results. Moore Kingston Smith has proven to be the ideal partner in realising our growth objectives.”

Adele Hebditch, Director in the Corporate Finance team at Moore Kingston Smith, concluded: “It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with Asteria and Waterland in their international expansion efforts. Their exceptional ability to identify and acquire the ideal partners to enhance their solutions and better serve their clients, coupled with their strong commitment to sustainability, are pivotal to their success. It’s been extremely valuable working alongside our Moore Ireland colleagues, truly highlighting our extensive cross-border reach and expertise.”