Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical company, today progressed its business decision to invest in the high-potential Indian market through the purchase of a 24.9% equity stake in EPL Limited from Blackstone. The completion of the financial investment in EPL, a Mumbai-based leading global specialty packaging company, helps Indorama Ventures take advantage of growth opportunities in emerging markets and build on Indorama Ventures’ existing footprint.
EPL provides an attractive platform for tapping into India's investment landscape, and is well positioned to benefit from the trend of global manufacturers seeking to diversify their supply chains. As its fast-developing economy plays an increasing global leadership role, the Indian government is promoting local industry through attractive policies.
At its annual Capital Markets Day on 5 March, Indorama Ventures outlined ambitious expansions plans in a new era of growth. In a departure from its previous M&A-led model, the company is partnering with major industry peers, to explore long-term growth opportunities unlocked by fundamental changes in global markets. Part of the plan is to identify opportunities to leverage Indorama Ventures’ sizeable existing manufacturing operations in India, which currently include PET resins, polyester filaments and yarns, nonwoven fabrics, and ethylene oxide derivatives. The minority stake in EPL helps unlock future growth potential, especially considering Indorama Ventures’ existing product offerings and geographical presence.
All of Indorama Ventures’ business segments of Combined PET, Fibers, Indovinya in India have a significant presence in India, with plans to grow and create a more diversified and resilient portfolio. The company has a successful 35-year track record of identifying adjacent businesses with experienced leadership teams and highly synergistic management cultures and growth paths.
Mr. Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said, “India represents one of the most exciting opportunities in global packaging and chemical markets today, where Indorama Ventures has natural advantages including our existing footprint in diverse businesses. My family’s Indian heritage is also an attribute as we seek to build close partnerships with peer companies in India—many of them family owned—to leverage our mutual scale and capabilities and invest in one of the most dynamic economies in the world. Our stake in EPL aligns with this strategy. Their global reach, innovative high-quality products, focus on sustainability and solid management team make them a natural fit, and our combined deep experience in our respective businesses will drive value immediately.”
EPL is the largest global specialty packaging company, manufacturing laminated plastic tubes catering to the FMCG and Pharma space. Employing over 3,500+ people representing over 25 different nationalities, EPL functions in eleven countries through 21 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and is continuing to grow every year.