DS Smith to acquire Serbian packaging company, Bosis doo

DS Smith, a leading sustainable packaging provider, today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Bosis doo, a high-quality packaging company in Serbia. The acquisition is complementary to the business’ existing regional packaging activity in Eastern Europe, and will support its growth drive in the region.

With a focus on fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) customers, Bosis doo is particularly well suited to complement DS Smith’s strategy in the region, which targets higher growth and margin opportunities through its sustainable performance packaging customer proposition. 

The acquisition will be structured as a share transaction and is expected to complete within the second half of DS Smith’s financial year, subject to customary closing conditions.

Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive, DS Smith, commented:

"We are seeing significant growth in demand for sustainable packaging and for plastic replacement in East Europe, especially in Serbia, and are delighted to announce our agreement to acquire Bosis doo. We look forward to warmly welcoming our new colleagues. This acquisition will develop our ability to support customers, enhancing our capabilities in the region and accelerating growth by offering world-class, sustainable and innovative products to many more customers."

Reinier Schlatmann, Regional Managing Director, East Europe, DS Smith, commented:

 “This new investment will support our medium and long-term strategy and growth ambitions across the DS Smith East Region. It will expand our footprint and portfolio with advanced technology and capabilities that allow us to support our customers better in achieving their ambitious environmental goals and offering new plastic replacement innovations.”

Bogoljub Pantelić, founder and owner of Bosis doo, commented:

“Following 41 years of successful, responsible and sustainable business, during which Bosis doo grew from a small family-owned screen printing shop into one of the regionally recognized players in the production of offset cardboard packaging and blister packaging, the time came for a new phase in the development of Bosis doo. We are sure that this is the right decision for our family and Bosis doo, our employees and their families, as well as our long term business partners and local community, and that we are also leaving them in the safe hands of DS Smith, a leading sustainable packaging provider. Our shared philosophy and values will ensure the future and sustainable growth of Bosis doo.”

Plastic replacement is a key focus area for DS Smith, and the business recently achieved the milestone of over 762 million units of plastic replaced since March 2020. DS Smith continues to work closely with customers to help them address their sustainability goals and will seek to accelerate this progress in the East Region.

Following completion of the acquisition of Bosis doo, DS Smith’s total packaging operations in Eastern Europe will comprise 29 box plants and additional facilities, employing more than 7,000 people in the region. Situated c.100km south of Belgrade, Serbia, the family-owned business was founded in 1982 and employs 140 employees working on a single site in Valjevo.