ABPAC expands its services and regional presence with new debt facility from Shawbrook
Shawbrook has supported existing client, Kentra Bay and its portfolio business, ABPAC with acquisition finance to enhance its market position in baked goods and food-to-go sectors.
At a glance
August 2025 – Leading distributor of food packaging products, Abpac Limited (‘Abpac’) , has secured an increased debt facility from Shawbrook to support its expansion with the acquisition of Marshall Wilson Packaging Ltd (‘MWP’). Backed by existing Shawbrook client, Kentra Bay, Abpac’s latest buy and build transaction will significantly enhance its market position in the bakery and food-to-go sectors in the Scottish market.
Abpac is a well-established supplier of food packaging products, with a strong focus on the baked goods, butchery, catering and 'food-to-go' sectors as well as a range of ancillary products, including production process disposables and janitorial supplies.
Abpac was acquired by Kentra Bay in 2021, with Shawbrook supporting the deal. Following this investment, Abpac has implemented an ambitious buy-and-build strategy with the objective of enhancing its quality of service and expanding its geographic coverage to better serve its loyal customer base.
Marshall Wilson Packaging is a prominent distributor of food and drink packaging products, serving Scotland’s central belt. As part of a succession plan, MWP’s retiring business owners were seeking a buyer with a strong focus on customer service and employee care. This proved an excellent strategic fit for Abpac, who with the backing of Kentra Bay, approached Shawbrook to secure support for the transaction.
Working to a tight timeline, Shawbrook’s expert team structured an increase to the client’s existing debt facilities, providing a corporate leverage loan for the acquisition and to support the purchase of an associated commercial property in Glasgow from which to expand. The funding solution included flexibility to accommodate the existing debt facilities and shareholder distributions.
We had first-hand experience of Shawbrook’s capabilities, following the earlier transaction with Kentra Bay and felt that the bank would be well-placed to support us again. The team understood the timelines and the complexities of the transaction and provided a solution that ticked all the boxes.
Nick Brown, Client Manager at Shawbrook commented:
“Being up-to-speed on Abpac and Kentra Bay’s expansion strategy proved critical to this transaction as it required both a fast turnaround and substantial flexibility. We look forward to seeing this client expand further as they continue their buy and build journey.”
Pinsent Masons completed legals on the deal for Shawbrook. Abpac was represented by Ashtons Legal and Thorntons Law in respect of Scots law matters.
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