UPM Raflatac continues its expansion in the graphic media sector with the acquisition of Metamark, a British manufacturer specializing in self-adhesive films for large-format printing. The £146 million (approx. ?175 million) transaction strengthens UPM Raflatac graphics' growth strategy and consolidates its presence in the European market and beyond.
Metamark, a key player in the UK market
Founded in 1992, Metamark is a major player in the UK market for self-adhesive films for digital printing and decoration. Its portfolio includes colored films, large-format print media and laminated films.
With a production site in Lancaster and a dedicated distribution organization, the company employs around 185 people and achieves annual sales of £65 million. Its integration within UPM Raflatac Graphics should enable synergies in terms of production and distribution.
Strategic international expansion in the graphic media sector
Metamark joins the UPM Raflatac Graphics division, a strategic unit created following the acquisition of UPM Raflatac acquisition of AMC in 2022 expanded in 2024 with the addition of Grafityp. This new acquisition strengthens the company's position in the fast-growing graphic media segment.
"We have made the strategic decision to pursue our global growth in the graphics sector, both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. This acquisition marks an important step in our transformation journey, accelerating our growth, increasing our scale and enabling us to become a complete supplier of products and services in this attractive sector, says Tim Kirchen, Executive Vice President of UPM Raflatac. Combining Metamark's broad product portfolio with our existing sales and distribution network enables us to expand outside Europe too."
