Los Angeles-based private equity firm Butterfly Equity has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sabert Holding Corp, an international manufacturer of food packaging solutions across plastic, paper, and moulded fibre.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal remains subject to customary closing conditions and is anticipated to complete in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The acquisition brings Sabert under the ownership of an investment firm focused exclusively on the food and beverage sector, spanning agriculture, aquaculture, consumer food brands, and packaging infrastructure.
Global Manufacturing Footprint and Material Capabilities
Established in 1983 and headquartered in Sayreville, New Jersey, Sabert operates 13 manufacturing facilities globally, including nine production plants in the United States.
The company supplies primary packaging formats to commercial accounts across four core end markets:
Foodservice Distribution: Multi-compartment takeaway containers, trays, and cutlery for regional and national supply networks.
Supermarkets and Grocery: Ambient and chilled food presentation packaging for in-store bakeries, delis, and prepared food sections.
Restaurants and QSRs: High-volume, tamper-evident, and temperature-tolerant delivery and takeaway packaging.
Food and Protein Processors: Rigid trays and speciality barrier packaging engineered for automated fresh meat, poultry, and processed food packaging lines.
Sabert supports its manufacturing operations with dedicated research, tooling, and prototyping infrastructure, maintaining an intellectual property portfolio of more than 400 product patents.
"For more than four decades, Sabert has been focused on developing unique solutions that help our customers respond to the changing ways consumers eat and live," said Albert Salama, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sabert.
"Butterfly's deep expertise and understanding of our customers and end markets make them an ideal partner for our next chapter. We look forward to working together to continue investing in innovation and delivering exceptional products and services to our customers."
Founder Reinvestment and Executive Governance
Following the completion of the transaction, founder Albert Salama will retain a significant minority equity stake in the company. The rollover investment structure is designed to align commercial interests among the founding leadership, management, and incoming majority shareholders.
Sabert will continue to operate under its existing executive leadership team, headed by Chief Executive Officer Paul McCann.
"Sabert is exactly the type of business we look for at Butterfly: a category-leading player with deep roots across the food ecosystem, differentiated capabilities and tremendous opportunities for continued growth," said Adam Waglay, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Butterfly.
"As consumers increasingly prioritise convenience and flexibility in how and where they eat, packaging plays an essential role in enabling the food industry to meet those needs. We are thrilled to partner with Albert, Sabert CEO Paul McCann, and the entire Sabert team to build on the incredible business they have created."
Transaction Advisors and Financing
Advisors and financing partners have been finalised ahead of the Q4 2026 closing window:
Advisors to Butterfly: Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel, with KPMG LLP providing financial and tax advisory services.
Advisors to Sabert: Financial advisory services were provided jointly by UBS Investment Bank and Goldman Sachs, with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and FBT Gibbons LLP serving as legal counsel.
Committed Debt Financing: Fully committed transaction financing is being delivered through a syndicate comprising UBS Investment Bank, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, and KKR Capital Markets.
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