Benchmark International

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of James Hamilton Group by Zeus Group.

Established in 1923 in Northern Ireland, James Hamilton Group is a multidisciplinary B2B distributor of packaging, label production, office supplies, and personal protective equipment services across multiple sectors including retail, food and beverage production, logistics, and distribution. The company has annual sales of €18m (£15.4m) and 120 employees.

Irish-owned Zeus Group is one of the largest packaging companies in Ireland and the UK. It supplies packaging solutions for both individuals and small businesses. It now has 51 locations worldwide, having embarked on a series of acquisitions since 2019.

By joining forces with James Hamilton Group, Zeus will expand its current offering in the food and retail packaging sector. It will leverage the combined purchasing power and unlock operational efficiencies across its combined operations in Northern Ireland. 

The purchase forms part of Zeus Group's 2023 growth strategy to propel group revenues beyond €500m.

Following the transaction, James Hamilton Group will continue to operate under its established brand, leveraging its existing manufacturing expertise and management team.

Speaking on working with Benchmark International, Keith Hamilton, managing director of James Hamilton Group, said: 

"The sale of our business was a long and stressful project due to the diverse divisions within our company, but the team at Benchmark kept everything on track and supported us throughout the entire process from the initial teaser to getting the sale over the line.

"Many thanks to the entire Benchmark Team, but special thanks to James Sloane and Roger Forshaw."

Mr Hamilton also commented: "We have enjoyed watching our business expand and evolve during its 100-year history, we are delighted to have finalised an agreement with Brian and his team. It was important that we found a partner who shared the same 'family' values as ourselves, a business who will further invest, look after our staff and importantly, bring a more enhanced offering to our loyal customers."

Keith Ockenden, chief executive of Zeus Group, said: "We are tremendously excited about the prospects of this acquisition of one of Northern Ireland’s oldest packaging businesses. By harnessing the synergies between Zeus and James Hamilton Group across the island of Ireland, we can offer a more comprehensive range of solutions and manufacturing capabilities. Our commitment is to deliver exceptional value to our customers while driving innovation and sustainable practices."

James Sloane, associate director at Benchmark International, commented: “This is a great result for the sellers. Zeus Group is an ideal acquirer that can benefit the group hugely, given their existing expertise in the sector.”

Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com

Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com 

ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL:

Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $10 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook’s Global League Tables.