Moore Kingston Smith advises Asteria Group on latest acquisition

Moore Kingston Smith’s corporate finance team has advised Asteria Labels and Packaging Group once again to advise on its acquisition of Dublin-based printing company Label World. 

The European packaging company, which is backed by Waterland Private Equity, also entrusted Moore Kingston Smith to advise on its acquisition of Essex-based Compliance Labelling in 2023 and Dublin’s Label Tech in 2024.  

With 34 printing plants across Europe, Asteria Group offers a range of labelling solutions and printing specialities. The company has also made “significant” investments in eco-friendly product development and offers sustainable alternatives for 90% of its products. 

Founded in 1998, Label World has a team of 28 professionals and specialises in flexographic and digital printing for a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. 

The firm’s corporate finance team advised on financial and tax due diligence. Director Adele Hebditch, who specialises in transaction services, led the team with support from manager Holly Taylor; and supervisors Dylan Sweeney and John Downes. 

Meanwhile, director Colin Dignam, manager Leah Newport and senior associate Daniel O’Rourke 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.”  

Hebditch added: “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.”