M&As: Alpla acquires Serbian closure firm; Gemspring completes acquisition of Goodyear’s polymer biz for US$650 mn

German plastic packaging firm Alpla Group continues to grow in the compression and injection moulding segment and is taking over the production facility of Serbian closure manufacturer Energoplast in Belgrade. With this acquisition, Alpla adds it is strengthening its role as a system provider in the beverage packaging sector in South-East Europe and the Balkan region. The takeover of personnel, production lines and existing business ensures a seamless continuation of activities.

Energoplast's 2,000 sq m factory is located in the north of Belgrade. Using compression moulding and injection moulding machines, the manufacturer produces PE closures for the beverage industry in Serbia and neighbouring countries.

With now four plants in Serbia (two of which are in-house at the customer's filling plant), two in Croatia (one of which is in-house) and one in Slovenia, Alpla says it is one of the largest plastic packaging manufacturers in South-East Europe. In addition to bottles, closures and containers for food, home care and cosmetic products, as well as oils and lubricants, the company primarily manufactures PET preforms for the beverage industry.

The transaction was completed on 1 November 2025 following legal and regulatory approval. The parties have agreed not to disclose the details of the transaction.

In other news, Gemspring Capital Management, a middle-market private equity firm, has announced that an affiliate has completed the acquisition of tyre maker Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s polymer chemicals business, for a purchase price of US$650 million, subject to adjustments. At the time of closing, Goodyear received cash proceeds of approximately US$580 million, which reflects working capital adjustments, including an adjustment for intercompany receivables.

This move sets up Goodyear for a sharper chemicals focus and signals growth potential for the spun-off business under new leadership.

The acquisition includes two manufacturing plants in Houston and Beaumont, Texas, as well as a R&D facility in Akron, Ohio. Goodyear will retain its chemical facilities in Niagara Falls, New York, and Bayport, Texas, along with the rights to products produced at those locations.

Headquartered in Ohio, the Polymer Chemical Business is a producer of synthetic rubber with a broad product portfolio serving customers across North America. The company supports an extensive base of world-class customers, including many of the leading tyre manufacturers, and delivers differentiated solutions across diverse end markets such as food, medical, sporting goods, thermoset plastics, adhesives, and packaging.

“With the sale of our Chemical business, we have completed all of the planned asset sales included in our Goodyear Forward transformation program,” said Goodyear CEO/President Mark Stewart. “Additionally, we surpassed initial expectations, with total gross proceeds from the divestitures of approximately US$2.2 billion,” he added.

Goodyear intends to use transaction proceeds for debt reduction and to fund initiatives in connection with the Goodyear Forward transformation plan

Mathew Wallace, Managing Director at Gemspring, commented, “We look forward to unlocking the company’s full potential as a standalone business and supporting its next chapter of growth and innovation. We see ample opportunity to expand the company’s offering by strengthening its capabilities in synthetic rubber markets and expanding into adjacent chemical categories, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. These opportunities will be made possible by the Company’s talented employees, strong customer relationships, and dedicated suppliers.”

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