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Aldus buys business of API Foils Europe

Aldus, an Australian company with operations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and the U.S., has acquired the business of API Foils Europe (excluding its Dutch and Asian subsidiaries), creating a new company called API Foilmakers Ltd.

The financial terms of the purchase have not been disclosed.

Among Aldus group companies is Milford Astor Foilmakers, which manufactures foil in Australia and distributes it worldwide.

The new company will be led by Will Oldham, who was managing director between 2012 and 2015, and key members of the existing senior management team.

“I am delighted to be back leading the API’s European Foil business which has been at the forefront of quality graphic stamping foils for many years,” Oldham said in a Feb. 26 statement. “Joining the Aldus Group will give our team the financial strength and support to ensure that we can continue to deliver the highest quality product to our customers across Europe and the world.”

The news also means that more than 100 jobs have been saved, as the second-oldest factory in Livingston, UK – which was going to be shuttered after its previous owners, the U.S.-based Steel Partners, had decided to close all of their UK operations – will now become part of API Foilmakers.

“We are particularly pleased to be restarting the Scottish manufacturing facility [in Livingston] and ensuring the continuing operation of our distribution hubs across Europe, delivering 160 jobs, including more than 100 in Scotland,” Oldham said.