Guala Closures, a global leader in specialty beverage closure solutions, announced the execution of an agreement to acquire KWK Kunststoffwerk Kremsmünster GmbH ("KWK"), a premier Austrian manufacturer of plastic caps & closures and precision dosing devices for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.
Established in 1950 and headquartered in Kremsmünster, Austria, KWK serves an extensive portfolio of global customers, including leading multinational pharmaceutical corporations. The company holds a strong presence in high-growth segments, generating revenues of approximately €18 million in the 12-month period ending in June 2025.
This acquisition marks Guala Closures' strategic entry into the pharmaceutical packaging sector, significantly expanding the company's portfolio beyond its established market leadership position. The pharmaceutical closures industry represents an attractive new sector for Guala, thanks to counter-cyclical stability and expected sustained long-term growth driven by global demographic trends and stringent regulatory requirements.
“This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to expand into high-value, robust sectors” said Andrea Lodetti, CEO of Guala Closures. “KWK’s strong market position in pharmaceutical closures, combined with our expertise in tamper-evident and anti-counterfeiting systems, creates significant synergies to guarantee the safe delivery of medicines to the final patient.”
Once completed, the combination will enable KWK and Guala Closures to integrate the offer of safe, tamper-evident, and child-resistant closures in plastic and aluminum, leveraging on global capabilities and specialized expertise.
Manfred Habermann, current owner and CEO of KWK, will remain in charge of the pharma business division and report to Guala Closures’ CEO Andrea Lodetti.
“Joining Guala Closures represents a valuable opportunity to accelerate KWK’s growth and innovation, while expanding our geographical presence to stay close to the customers”, commented Manfred Habermann.
Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to take place by the first quarter of 2026.