VISY MEDIA RELEASE
Visy Executive Chairman, Anthony Pratt announced today that Visy had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Australian and New Zealand glass manufacturing business of Owens Illinois (O-I) in a deal worth almost A$1 billion. The deal, which is expected to be completed by the end of July, is one of the biggest manufacturing acquisitions by an Australian owned business in Australian business history. Mr Pratt said "manufacturing has never been more important to Australia's future." Visy - which is owned by Anthony Pratt and his two sisters Heloise Waislitz and Fiona Geminder - is already one of the world's largest privately owned recycling and packaging companies. Post acquisition, Visy would employ 7200 people in well paying manufacturing jobs. "And importantly we will bring Visy's sustainability culture to O-I, aiming to increase recycled content of glass bottles from 1/3 to 2/3," said Mr Pratt. Visy is committed to investing in creating sustainable packaging solutions for a better world. The addition of glass manufacturing to Visy's portfolio is in line with the company's long-term strategy of creating local manufacturing job opportunities and supporting local communities. O-I is the largest manufacturer of glass bottles and containers in Australia-New Zealand with factories in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland. |