Zeus acquires JJ O’Toole as part of latest investment strategy
Zeus, the Irish-owned global packaging solutions company, has announced its acquisition of JJ O’Toole, Ireland’s oldest packaging company.
Founded in 1914, JJ O’Toole employs 25, with customers including Dunnes Stores, Brown Thomas and Newbridge Silverware. This is the latest in a recent series of strategic acquisitions by Zeus in 2022, expanding the company’s reach and capabilities in the retail, ecommerce, industrial and food and beverage sectors.
Commenting on the announcement, Zeus founder and owner Brian O’Sullivan said: “This is an exciting day for the Irish packaging sector. As Ireland’s longest established packaging company, JJ O’Toole has an impressive reputation in the Irish retail and ecommerce markets.
“As two strong Irish companies joining together, we are now in a stronger position than ever, allowing us to continue to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for our combined customer base. Zeus also remains on track to be the largest sole shareholder packaging company in the world by 2023.”
JJ O’Toole owner and managing director, Vicki O’Toole said: “JJ O’Toole has an incredible history of survival and success with a kaleidoscope of wonderful stories. The company has been the centre of packaging excellence in Ireland for over a century with an outstanding reputation, endorsed by an exceptional loyal clientele, many who have remained with the company for over 40 years.
“I am extremely proud and honoured to have steered the company successfully into its 108th year. It has been a very emotional decision to sell JJ O’Toole but I believe the time is right and I am very confident the company will continue its successful journey under the robust and global Zeus umbrella. There are many synergies between both our companies, and I have no doubt our combined unique skillsets will result in a very positive and successful collaboration. My colleagues and I are very much looking forward to working closely alongside Brian O’Sullivan and his team.”
Zeus is on target to achieve half a billion euro annualised revenue next year. Forecasted annualised revenues for Zeus in 2022 are expected to exceed more than €400 million.
So far in 2022, Zeus has acquired UK companies Swanline Group and BoxMart and Canadian agricultural supply business Agri-Flex. During the past nine months, Zeus has added a further €60 million of revenue through acquisition. Customers of Zeus range across sectors and include Clipper Logistics, Lidl, Harrods, Moet & Chandon, Ryanair and McDonalds. Established by Brian O’Sullivan in 1998, Zeus now employs over 870 people worldwide.
In 2021, Brian O’Sullivan was announced as the winner of the Irish EY Entrepreneur of the Year and, last month, competed in Monaco for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2022.
