Guala buys Australian screwcap maker

Guala Closures is continuing its buying spree - which has seen it acquire five firms within the last 18 months - with the purchase of Australian screwcap manufacturer ASA.

Its most recent purchase was four months ago when it bought a 70% stake in Polish company DGS.

Guala Closures, headquartered in Italy, makes non-refillable closures for the spirits, wine, beverages, oil and the pharmaceutical industry. It employs 3,500 people at 25 manufacturing plants worldwide, and sells its products in over 100 countries.

The group has five research centers in Italy, Scotland, India, China and Mexico where more than 20 new products have been developed over the last three years. In 2011, Guala Closures Group reported a turnover of about €418 million.

Its products include sparkling closure Viiva, and the latest Roll-On TE, designed to help fight wine adulteration. Its original closure is the 30X60 Divinum.

Guala Closures¡¯ recently installed new production lines in its Melbourne plant (one of 24 worldwide) to help with local supply.