Handgards Acquires Inno-Pak, Expanding Foodservice Solutions
Handgards, LLC (“Handgards”), a prominent distributor of foodservice products, has announced the acquisition of Inno-Pak, LLC (“Inno-Pak” or the “Company”), a leader in innovative, sustainable food packaging solutions. Handgards, a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. (“Wynnchurch”), has built a strong reputation in the industry by offering disposable gloves, reclosable bags, tabletop items, expendables, and other essential carryout products. The acquisition of Inno-Pak is expected to enhance Handgards’ market presence and expand its product offerings to better serve the evolving needs of the foodservice sector.
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Delaware, Ohio, Inno-Pak has established itself as a North American leader in high-quality food packaging solutions. The company serves key industries, including foodservice, grocery, convenience stores, and hospitality, with a broad product range that emphasizes sustainability and innovation. With an impressive portfolio of more than 170 patents across multiple substrates, Inno-Pak has demonstrated a commitment to pioneering advanced packaging solutions that align with consumer and industry demands for environmentally friendly alternatives.
The acquisition marks a significant step in Handgards’ strategic growth plan, strengthening its position in the market while expanding its capabilities in sustainable packaging. Joe Kubicek, CEO of Handgards, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We could not be more excited to welcome Inno-Pak into the Handgards family. This transformational add-on bolsters our offering of innovative, sustainable solutions and demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with an extensive portfolio of the highest quality products, best-in-class service, and leading technical capabilities.”
The foodservice industry has seen increasing demand for sustainable and versatile packaging solutions, driven by consumer preferences for eco-friendly products, regulatory requirements, and heightened awareness of environmental issues. With Inno-Pak’s expertise in developing packaging that meets these needs, the merger is well-positioned to drive growth and innovation within the industry. The acquisition not only broadens Handgards’ product lines but also brings new technological advancements and supply chain efficiencies to the combined company.
Greg Gleason, Managing Partner of Wynnchurch, highlighted the significance of the acquisition, stating, “Inno-Pak represents an opportunity to grow in key foodservice end markets, including grocery and convenience stores, and allows the platform to further capitalize on positive trends around substrate flexibility, consumer convenience, health and hygiene, and on-the-go consumption. We look forward to our continued partnership with Handgards and Inno-Pak as they continue their growth journey.”
As the foodservice industry continues to evolve, there is a heightened focus on flexibility in packaging substrates. Companies are increasingly exploring ways to offer packaging solutions that accommodate diverse food types while ensuring recyclability, compostability, and reduced environmental impact. With Inno-Pak’s expertise in designing sustainable packaging that meets these criteria, Handgards is expected to gain a competitive edge in catering to customers who prioritize environmental responsibility.
Carl Howe, Managing Director at Wynnchurch, emphasized the strategic benefits of the acquisition, stating, “We’re thrilled to add Inno-Pak to the Handgards platform. In line with our original investment thesis, the acquisition of Inno-Pak adds differentiated converting and sourcing capabilities while further diversifying the consolidated platform into attractive end markets. We look forward to working with management to continue expanding the platform.”
This acquisition is not just about expanding product lines but also about leveraging operational synergies between the two companies. Handgards and Inno-Pak share a common vision of delivering high-quality, innovative, and sustainable products while maintaining a customer-centric approach. The combination of Handgards’ extensive distribution network and Inno-Pak’s advanced packaging solutions creates a powerful platform for future growth.
The deal is also expected to result in improved supply chain efficiencies, enabling both companies to better manage costs and enhance product availability for customers. Inno-Pak’s established relationships with key players in the grocery, convenience store, and hospitality sectors will help Handgards penetrate these markets more effectively. Furthermore, the integration of advanced packaging technologies from Inno-Pak will support Handgards in meeting the growing demand for smart and functional packaging solutions.
The acquisition reflects broader industry trends where companies are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and efficiency in their operations. As regulations surrounding food packaging continue to tighten, businesses are proactively adopting solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining quality and convenience. This strategic move aligns with these industry dynamics and positions Handgards as a leader in the foodservice solutions sector.
The transaction was supported by leading financial and legal advisors. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as the financial advisor, while Foley & Lardner LLP served as the legal advisor to Wynnchurch. Their involvement helped facilitate the seamless execution of this strategic acquisition, ensuring that the transition aligns with Handgards’ long-term business objectives.
Looking ahead, Handgards and Inno-Pak will work together to integrate operations, maximize the strengths of their combined portfolios, and explore new growth opportunities. The leadership teams of both companies are focused on maintaining service excellence while driving innovation and expanding market reach. As Handgards continues to evolve, the acquisition of Inno-Pak reinforces its commitment to delivering superior foodservice solutions and staying ahead of industry trends.
Overall, the acquisition of Inno-Pak by Handgards represents a pivotal moment in the foodservice industry, creating a diversified, innovative, and growth-oriented platform. By combining forces, the two companies are poised to set new benchmarks in product excellence, customer service, and sustainability, ensuring long-term success in a competitive and ever-changing market landscape.
