Cork packaging firm Zeus acquires UK-based Weedon Group 

Adrian Lannon, operating officer, Brian O’Sullivan founder and Keith Ockenden, chief executive of Zeus. Mr Ockenden said the transaction means the company now has 'robust in-house capabilities along the entire paper supply chain'. Picture: Darragh Kane

Global packaging firm Zeus has acquired the Weedon Group, the UK's largest independent integrated paper product manufacturers, for an undisclosed amount.

Zeus, founded by Corkman Brian O'Sullivan in 1998, completed the deal as part of the company’s goal to use more sustainable packaging by investing in paper-based products over plastic. The company said it aims to achieve net zero by 2050.

Zeus chief executive Keith Ockenden said the transaction means the company now has “robust in-house capabilities along the entire paper supply chain, from raw material processing to manufacturing, right through to distribution and retail”.

The Weedon Group has reported annual revenues of around £30m and employs 250 staff across two locations in the UK.

Zeus indicated all staff working at Weedon will remain employed under Zeus following the purchase and annual revenue is forecast to reach €560m.

“As a combined business, we will offer a strong independent alternative for those looking for packaging innovation, supply consolidation and supply chain efficiency,” said John Weedon, managing director of Weedon Group.

Zeus now has 58 locations worldwide, including Ireland, UK, Germany, Spain, Poland, Eastern Europe, New Zealand, Canada, US, China and Australia. The company has been in operation for 25 years and now employs 13,000 people across 38 countries worldwide.

Zeus has grown at an average rate of 22% each year since 2018 and its customers include Lidl, Aldi, Harrods and Musgrave.

Last year, Zeus opened a logistics facility in Watergrasshill, Cork, and created 40 jobs to aid its expansion plans. Zeus also acquired Polpack in Poland in 2023. Other deals include the acquisition of Canadian agricultural supply business, Agri-Flex, in 2022.