By Jim Johnson
SENIOR STAFF REPORTER
Published: July 7, 2014 3:33 pm ET
Updated: July 7, 2014 3:43 pm ET
Image By: Vista International Packaging LLC
ViskoTeepak and Vista Packaging make film used in the meat and poultry industry.
ViskoTeepak, which already had a stake in Vista International Packaging LLC, now has acquired the entire company.
The Kenosha, Wis.-based food packaging supplier to the meat and poultry markets is being acquired by ViskoTeepak in a move to increase U.S. market share for the Mariehamn, Finland-based company.
ViskoTeepak acquired an equity interest in Vista International in 2012. Vista, through the new deal, becomes part of a larger operation and all the opportunities that has to offer, the company said.
“Vista becomes an integral part of a global organization with access to world class research and development, and support services that will strengthen our competitive position by improving upon our ability to offer the most innovative casings solutions in the market,” said Ron Ramsey, vice president of sales and marketing for Vista.
Manufacturing will remain at Vista’s current site in Kenosha, the company said.
ViskoTeepak is owned by Eriksson Capital Group and now employs more than 1,000 people with the Vista acquisition, the company said. Eriksson Capital also owns Optinova AB, a maker of fluoropolymer medical tubing.
The acquisition of Vista comes after what Vista called a “l(fā)ong-standing strategic relationship” between the two firms. Vista has served as the exclusive converting, sales and service representative for ViskoTeepak’s tubular plastic casings, cellulose casings and fibrous casings.
“Amongst other things, the acquisition allows us to optimize the total logistical chain and to evaluate, identify and implement what is commonly called ‘best practices’ within the field of converting, all aiming to improve our service level and product offering,” said ViskoTeepak CEO Ben Eriksson said in a statement.
Vista plans to transition to the ViskoTeepak brand by the “first of next year,” ViskoTeepak said. | 
