American distribution and protection technology leader Aptar has officially entered the Turkish market by acquiring 7M, a local packaging company with 34 years of experience in producing aerosol valves, actuators, sprays, and lotion pumps. The acquisition agreement was signed recently in Istanbul.
Aptar Beauty’s EMEA President Xavier Susterac stated that bringing Turkish firm 7M into their portfolio is part of their strategy to accelerate growth in the beauty sector across the region.
“With this acquisition, we gain access to Turkey’s attractive and growing market. Leveraging 7M’s capacity and expertise, we aim to deliver better service to our current customers and tap into new markets across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa,” said Susterac.
Speaking to Dünya newspaper’s Kerim Ülker, Susterac explained, “The name Aptar comes from the Latin word ‘Aptare,’ meaning ‘to adapt’ or ‘to prepare.’ This acquisition reflects our core philosophy. We use user expertise, engineering, and science to improve lives—not just to deliver products more effectively, but to innovate.”
Turkey Preferred Over China
Aptar, although not a household name, produces everyday items found in sunscreen bottles, ketchup dispensers, and needle-free nasal sprays—many of which overlap with 7M’s product range. Susterac highlighted Turkey’s strong potential in both production and distribution:
“Turkey has always been an attractive market. Its large domestic size, fast-growing FMCG dynamics, and demographic trends make it a strategic hub. Unlike remote locations like China, Turkey’s proximity to fast-growing African and Middle Eastern markets makes it ideal for regional operations. Our Istanbul-based 7M Aptar facility will supply products to Eastern European customers as well.”
Global Growth via Acquisitions
Founded in the aftermath of World War II, Aptar now operates in 18 countries. Originally launched in 1964 as Werner Die & Stamping, the company rebranded as Aptar Group in 1992 and has expanded aggressively through acquisitions.
Past takeovers include Stelmi (2012), Mega Airless (2016), CSP Technologies (2018), Nanopharm, Gateway Analytical, and Noble International (2019), FusionPKG and Cohero Health (2020), and Voluntis and China’s Weihai Hengyu Medical Products (2021). With the acquisition of 7M, Aptar has now added 11 firms through its expansion strategy.
According to 2023 data, Aptar employs over 13,000 people globally and generates $3.5 billion in annual revenue.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök