Coda Plastics

We’re pleased to have supported Norfolk-based rigid plastic packaging manufacturer, Coda Plastics Ltd (Coda Plastics) and its parent company, Campbell & Tate Ltd, on its sale to the Newship Group (Newship). The transaction marks a significant step in expanding Newship’s portfolio, creating a comprehensive packaging solutions business with pan-European reach.

Based in North Walsham, Coda Plastics supplies innovative rigid plastic packaging, to a customer base that spans start-ups to established brands such as Imperial Leather, Original Source and Revlon. Founded in 1973, it is one of the UK’s leading independent plastic packaging manufacturers, capable of producing over 20 million caps, closures and bottles every month, with Injection Moulding, Injection Blow Moulding, Stretch Blow Moulding and Extrusion Blow Moulding capabilities.

It has now been acquired by Newship Group, a family-owned UK group of companies operating in the packaging, construction, engineering and premium hire sectors.

Our Norwich based Corporate Finance team led as sell-side advisers to take the business to market. Through a competitive process, we identified Newship as a potential acquirer with strong cultural alignment, before leading commercial negotiations and due diligence through to completion.

Coda Plastics complements Newship’s existing packaging businesses, which include Beatson Clark, a renowned glass packaging manufacturer, and Pont Europe, a major European distributor of rigid packaging – strengthening Newship’s capability to offer its customers complete packaging solutions across material classes and geographies.

Meanwhile, Coda Plastics will benefit from investment and synergies as part of Newship, and sustainability expertise from within Pont Europe, which will enable it to help its clients continue to secure more sustainable packaging solutions and respond to evolving packaging legislation.

Following the acquisition, Coda Plastics will continue to operate as an independent business, with its own management team and directors.

Alex Hunton, Director at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “The team at Coda Plastics has built itself a great reputation in the plastics market. This deal will enable it to build on its progress and take its growth to the next level.

“In Newship Group, Coda Plastics has found a strong partner, with complementary offerings, valuable expertise, shared ambition and close alignments in values. I look forward to seeing what these businesses can achieve together in the years to come.”

Nick Tate, Managing Director at Coda Plastics, said: “We’re excited to begin this new chapter with Newship. Their long-term approach and investment mindset align perfectly with our ambitions for innovation, sustainability, and customer service excellence. Together, we’re building a stronger future for our customers and our people.

“The support provided by Alex and the team at FRP Corporate Finance was second-to-none. They provided exceptional guidance at every step in the process, from helping us to identify the right investor in Newship Group to negotiating terms through to completion.”