WBC - The Next Step

Established in 1989, WBC has been supplying the speciality drinks and food sectors with packaging and display products ever since. An ever-expanding choice of products backed up with high customer service levels has always been at the heart of what WBC does. From our early Wine Box Company days some 33 years ago, the business has expanded into the fine food and retail display sectors. But our core values have always remained constant, and we are still proud to boast many long-standing customers who have been with us from day one. We are now taking the next step in the company’s development which we believe will ensure that the future of WBC will be just as exciting. We are delighted to announce that WBC is now part of Premier Paper Group Limited, a leading supplier of paper, packaging and materials. In turn, PPG is part of OVOL Japan Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd., a global company that operates in 21 countries with a turnover of £4bn.

With immediate effect Premier Paper UK Investment Limited, a company owned by PPG has acquired WBC and its subsidiaries. Crucially all the majority shareholders of WBC remain in place with a 25% holding in the new holding company of WBC (Premier Paper UK Investment Limited) whilst Premier Paper Group take control of the balance of 75%.

Managing Director, Tim Wilkinson says:

“The change in ownership (but not the WBC name!) will enable WBC to grow and prosper under a larger and well-respected organisation. The additional resources, logistics support and expertise provided by Premier will allow us to expand and improve our service and product choice to customers. Being part of a global company also gives both our customers and suppliers confidence and reassurance in these unpredictable times.”

Chairman of WBC, Andrew Wilson adds:

“Strategically, being part of Premier opens up many opportunities for WBC customers and employees. Importantly, the well-established WBC name and brand will remain. In addition, the current management team and all employees will be retained to ensure the continuity of service and relationships. Our core values have always guided how WBC operates and interacts with all its customers, suppliers and employees, so it was vital for me that this legacy of a values driven business continues.”

Michael Beever, Managing Director of the Premier Paper Group says:

“We are delighted to welcome the WBC team into the group and we are excited to be supporting them in the next phase of their development. Although the businesses sell to very different market sectors, many of the same values are common to both organisations. Having WBC as part of our company will open up many opportunities for all parts of the group to develop product and service offerings through the sharing of knowledge and expertise. The acquisition of WBC is also an important next step for Premier as we continue to complement our traditional paper merchant business with expansion into added value sectors.”

The change in ownership is effective immediately and was announced 1 December 2022 by OVOL Japan Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd to the public markets.