Dart Container Corp. Signs Deal to Acquire Solo Cup

Plastics packaging company Dart Container Corp., Mason, Mich., has signed an agreement to acquire Solo Cup in a transaction valued at around $1 billion. Both companies are involved in the consumer and food service disposable packaging business. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2012.

“Our acquisition of Solo will allow us to provide even greater value to our customers in the future,” says Robert Dart, Dart Container’s CEO. “It will enable customers to purchase a wider range of products, made from a greater variety of materials with varying functional and environmental attributes, all from a single vendor.”

Robert Koirzenski, Solo Cup’s CEO, says, “Solo has made great strides over the past several years in improving its operating efficiency, information systems and the caliber of the talent within the organization. Dart’s leadership team has shown a high level of respect for what Solo has accomplished, and I believe we are putting the company in the right hands to succeed and grow going forward.”

“Dart Container’s acquisition of Solo will accelerate the progress Solo has made to improve its levels of service and customer support,” adds Robert Dart. “We will use our expertise in running a successful, efficient, reliable and service-oriented company to create an organization that blends the best of both Dart and Solo for the benefit of our customers.”

Among Dart Container’s recycling initiatives is a series of polystyrene recycling drop-off sites near its manufacturing plant in Mason, Mich., and in some 20 other states.

The integrated organization will retain the Dart Container Corp. name.