UPM Raflatac acquires METAMARK

UPM Raflatac has purchased British signage materials provider Metamark as part of the company’s plans to become a major player in the graphics sector. The acquisition is in a deal worth a reported £146m. Manufacturer UPM Raflatac, which is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, is set to accelerate its growth into the graphics sector, particularly for its recently developed UPM Graphics unit. Metamark’s existing graphics business was also seen to strengthen UPM Raflatac’s overall competitiveness, significantly boosting the company’s market value.

UPM Graphics is a new strategic self-adhesive business unit within UPM Raflatac which was formed when the company acquired AMC AG and its graphics business in 2022. The acquisition is part of a wider strategic decision by UPM to pursue global growth in graphics in recent years, both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. The company previously purchased Grafityp, a manufacturer of films and laminates, in 2024. Lancaster-based Metamark, a manufacturer and distributor of graphics solutions, was established in 1992. Its product portfolio consists of self-adhesive colour films, print films for large format colour printing, laminates, and wrapping films. The company currently employs approximately 185 people, with sales of the company estimated at approximately £65m.