- UK investor Continuance Capital acquired Quantum Print and Packaging of Wednesbury in August 2025 and appointed Owen Newton-Hill as managing director in September.
- Quantum employs about 29 people, operates from a 2,800 sqm site, and makes printed and plain carton packaging.
- The deal fits Continuance’s strategy of buying UK B2B businesses with £1–5m EBITDA for long-term, hands-on ownership.
- Quantum’s ISO 14001 accreditation and FSC/PEFC sourcing provide sustainability credentials increasingly valued in packaging supply chains.
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The acquisition of Quantum Print and Packaging by Continuance Capital reflects a textbook case of private equity consolidation within resilient, lower multiple B2B industrial segments. Quantum, a specialist in paper carton packaging with a deeply embedded customer base and consistent service levels, satisfies several criteria that have become increasingly attractive to UK investors.
First, the dealing with companies with £1-5 million EBITDA places Quantum in the “sweet spot” of UK lower-mid market PE. These businesses are large enough to have scale and process, yet small enough to avoid the intense competition for larger targets. Continuance’s strategy emphasises hands-on stewardship and long-term orientation, which suggests growth via operational improvements, perhaps expansions, rather than relying purely on financial engineering.
Second, there is meaningful operational continuity: Giles Foden remains in a central role, the management team is largely unchanged, production remains local, production types (plain and printed cartons) are intact. These features help mitigate integration risk and preserve built-in customer relationships. Owen Newton-Hill stepping in signals that Continuance capital sees senior leadership oversight as vital to extracting latent value.
Third, Quantum’s environmental credentials (ISO-14001; FSC/PEFC certified materials) increasingly matter in UK supply chains, particularly for packaging, food & beverage, and consumer goods sectors undergoing regulatory and customer-driven pressure for sustainability. This adds to Quantum’s competitive differentiation and possibly its valuation multiple.
Among risks and open questions: the acquisition price has not been disclosed, making valuation unclear; Quantum is small (29 employees), so scalability and margin expansion potential depend heavily on production efficiencies and maybe investment in automation. Also, uncertain is whether growth will come via new customer acquisition, geographic expansion, or by extending the product offering (e.g., packaging innovation or premium finishes).
Strategically, Continuance may be able to combine Quantum with its existing portfolio companies in packaging and waste to realize synergies—procurement, shared management, cross-selling. Retaining long-term ownership (no predetermined exit) allows them to invest without the pressure of quick disposal, which is suitable for such niche packaging businesses. The sustainability profile also positions them well for corporate and retail clients increasingly demanding ESG compliance.
Supporting Notes
- Quantum is based in Wednesbury, West Midlands, operating from a 2,800 sqm facility near the M6 and specialises in both printed and plain carton packaging.
- As of accounts ending September 2024, Quantum employed approximately 29 people.
- Continuance Capital has made four prior acquisitions, all in packaging and waste management; its target is UK established B2B operators with £1-5 million EBITDA.
- Environmental credentials: Quantum holds ISO-14001 accreditation; sources materials strictly from FSC or PEFC certified suppliers.
- Management continuity: Giles Foden remains in leadership following the acquisition; former managing director Peter Thomas had resigned in 2020.
- Continuance Capital is led by directors Owen Newton-Hill, Timothy Hayward, and Tarun Abraham.