Packaging manufacturer Alpla (Hard / Austria; www.alpla.com) completed the takeover of 100% shares in Argo (Koropi / Greece; www.argo-sa.gr) on 1 October 2018, following approval of the competition authorities. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price or any of the details involved.

In July 2018, Alpla announced its intention to acquire its Greek competitor, and to therefore operate its first production plant in Greece – see Plasteurope.com of 01.08.2018. The Austrian company will manage Argo's two plants in Koropi, near Athens, and Berceni / Romania as part of the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. With the takeover of the Berceni plant near Bucharest, Alpla now has four factories in Romania.

In addition, a centre of excellence for the pharmaceuticals market is to be set up at the Greek site. Alpla CEO Günther Lehner sees growth opportunities in this sector, and considers it a good addition to its existing product portfolio.

Alpla has around 19,300 employees worldwide. It manufactures custom-made packaging, bottles, closures and moulded parts in 45 countries.