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Linpac Materials Handling (LMH) is to buy Allibert, the French plastics firm, for an undisclosed sum. UK-based LMH said the merger would allow it to produce a wider range of returnable transit packaging products and provide a better service for its customers.

Allibert is the European materials handling part of Allibert-Buckhorn and a leading supplier of returnable plastic containers, pallets and storage systems to the food, retail, automotive and beverage markets. The Buckhorn operations based in the US will be retained by parent company Myers Industries.

Laurence Tanty (pictured), managing director of LMH, said: “The merger will allow us to create a dynamic business that will deliver innovative, quality products and services.”

John Orr, Myers Industries’ chief executive, said the deal was part of a group restructuring project that would involve the sale of some operations, investment in others and debt reduction. The company also said it would make acquisitions, streamline activities and upgrade process technologies. “The European businesses no longer fit with Myers’ long-term strategic direction,” Orr said.