Why This Matters to Distributors: The acquisition accelerates consolidation in the packaging distribution sector and strengthens Berlin Packaging’s position in higher-growth, higher-value markets where regulatory expertise, supply-chain capabilities and value-added services increasingly differentiate competitors.
Berlin Packaging has acquired O.Berk Company, a century-old packaging distributor serving pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, beauty, and personal care markets, expanding its North American footprint and deepening its presence in several of the industry’s fastest-growing end markets.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition brings O. Berk’s portfolio of plastic, glass and metal containers, closures, and packaging services into Berlin Packaging’s network. Founded in 1910, O.Berk operates facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Southern California and serves customers through pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, beauty, personal care, household, food, and beverage markets.
The deal expands Berlin Packaging’s reach in regulated and specialty packaging segments, where distributors often provide technical expertise, regulatory support, and supply-chain services in addition to product sourcing.
“We are excited to welcome O.Berk to Berlin Packaging,” Rick Brandt, CEO of Berlin Packaging Americas, said. “This combination expands our industry-leading capabilities and strengthens our expertise in growing beauty, personal care, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.”
O.Berk has been family-owned since 1925 and is currently led by fourth-generation owners Marc Gaelen and Meryl Japha. The company traces its roots to Newark, New Jersey, where it began as a supplier of bottles and jars to local chemical manufacturers and food producers. Over the past century, it expanded through organic growth and acquisitions while developing expertise in rigid packaging and container distribution.
In addition to its packaging products, O.Berk provides package design, custom tooling, decoration, warehousing, logistics management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance services. The company also operates BottleStore.com, an e-commerce platform serving small businesses, entrepreneurs, and emerging brands.
Marc Gaelen, O.Berk’s president and chief executive officer, said the acquisition will provide customers with access to Berlin Packaging’s broader global sourcing, logistics and design capabilities.
“Berlin’s global supply chain, digital capabilities, sustainability expertise, logistics platform and Studio One Eleven design services will enhance the solutions available to our customers and create new opportunities for our employees and suppliers,” Gaelen said.
For Berlin Packaging, the acquisition continues a long-running strategy of expanding through acquisitions while building scale across packaging categories and end markets. The company supplies glass, plastic and metal containers and closures and provides design, warehousing, financing, and logistics services to customers worldwide.
The transaction also reflects ongoing consolidation within the packaging distribution industry as larger distributors seek broader geographic coverage, expanded product portfolios, and specialized capabilities in regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
Bill Hayes, Berlin Packaging’s global CEO and president, said O.Berk’s industry relationships and technical expertise will strengthen the combined organization.
“Family-owned businesses like O.Berk bring deep industry expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and strong relationships with stakeholders,” Hayes said in a statement.
O.Berk becomes the latest addition to Berlin Packaging’s acquisition-driven growth strategy, which has included dozens of transactions globally as the company expands its packaging, design and supply-chain capabilities across North America and international markets.
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