Platinum Equity has made a significant investment in Norton Packaging, a maker of plastic pails and other rigid packaging products used across industrial and consumer end markets.
Norton, founded in 1901 and headquartered in Hayward, California, supplies high-performance rigid packaging solutions for applications including paints and coatings, chemicals and cleansers, food products, lubricants, and other uses.
Platinum said the investment is intended to support Norton’s next phase of growth, including continued product innovation and potential expansion of the company’s operating footprint. The firm also signaled interest in pursuing add-on acquisitions to broaden Norton’s capabilities and extend its geographic reach.
As part of the transaction, CEO Greg Norton and the Norton family retained a significant ownership stake, and Greg Norton will continue to lead the business.
The deal adds to Platinum Equity’s activity in packaging and adjacent categories. The firm cited its current portfolio company Growscape, which manufactures horticultural containers and related products, and noted it previously owned BWAY, a manufacturer of rigid metal and plastic containers. Financial terms of the Norton investment were not disclosed.
Support: Stifel served as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher served as legal counsel to Platinum Equity. Perella Weinberg Partners served as financial advisor and Donahue Fitzgerald served as legal counsel to Norton Packaging.
KEY QUOTES:
“We have great respect for the Norton family and the business they’ve built over multiple generations. For more than a century, Norton has demonstrated a commitment to quality, consistency, and deep customer relationships. We believe that foundation, combined with the company’s technical expertise and service-oriented culture, makes Norton an exceptional platform for growth. We see meaningful opportunities to invest in the business, support continued innovation, and help the company reach even greater scale.”
Jacob Kotzubei, Co-President, Platinum Equity
“We are excited about the prospect of partnering with Platinum Equity. Our family has always believed in doing things the right way. That means putting customers first, investing in our people, and staying committed to manufacturing excellence. Platinum’s track record in the packaging sector and its experience helping family-led businesses grow give us confidence that this is the right partner for the next chapter in Norton’s evolution.”
Greg Norton, CEO, Norton Packaging
“Norton has built an impressive business with a loyal customer base, and we believe the company is well positioned for both organic and strategic growth. We see significant opportunities to enhance its operations, expand capacity where needed, and pursue add-on acquisitions that can broaden the company’s capabilities and geographic reach. We’re looking forward to working with Greg and the Norton team to help accelerate their long-term growth plans.”
Nick Fries, Managing Director, Platinum Equity
