International law firm SJ Berwin advised with co-counsel Canadian law firm, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg global packaging manufacturer Amcor on its offer, announced today, of $2.025 billion to buy part of Alcan Packaging, a world leader in packaging belonging to Australian mining group Rio Tinto.

The proposed acquisition of Alcan Packaging’s Europe and Asia Food, Global Pharmaceuticals and Global Tobacco business divisions is Amcor’s biggest ever, and will reinforce its position in its strategic business areas of flexible packaging and the folding cartons packaging industry.  The combined company is set to become one of the world’s leading packaging companies with significant breadth of expertise, products and services.

Corporate partner Richard Lever led SJ Berwin’s team.  He worked with Head of EU & Competition Simon Holmes, and was assisted by a strong team of partners and associates including Veronica Ridley, Simon Hawkins and Sheldon Mills.

Richard Lever said: “This is a complex, high-value, cross-jurisdictional transaction.  We are really pleased to be helping Amcor execute its strategy of growing its packaging and folding cartons business.”

SJ Berwin co-led for Amcor with Steve Levin and Peter Mendell of Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP.  Tim Emmerson of Sullivan & Cromwell advised Rio Tinto.