Sonoco to Sell Temperature-Assured Packaging Business to Arsenal Capital Partners

ThermoSafe Sale Completes Company’s Transformation into a Global Metal and Fiber Packaging Leader

Net Proceeds to be Used to Reduce Debt

Sonoco Products Company (“Sonoco” or the “Company”), a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its ThermoSafe business unit (“ThermoSafe”), which is one of the leading providers of temperature-assured packaging, to Arsenal Capital Partners (“Arsenal”), a leading private equity investment firm that specializes in building market-leading industrial growth and healthcare companies, for a total purchase price of up to $725 million. The purchase price consists of $650 million on a cash-free and debt-free basis payable at closing, and additional consideration of up to $75 million (“additional consideration”) if certain performance measures for calendar year 2025 are met. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Net proceeds from the transaction are expected to be used to repay existing debt.

Based in Arlington Heights, IL, ThermoSafe is one of the leading global providers of temperature-controlled packaging solutions ensuring the safe and efficient transport of pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products. In 2024, the business generated over $240 million in sales and approximately $50 million in proforma adjusted EBITDA. ThermoSafe has a vast product offering featuring industry-leading technology, including bio-based insulation materials and reusable technologies, that encompasses refrigerated, frozen or controlled room temperature applications. In addition, ThermoSafe’s ISC Labs^® deliver individualized design and testing services and innovative packaging solutions along with qualification and validation services to meet all regulatory requirements. ThermoSafe employs approximately 900 associates working in operations in the Americas, EMEA and Asia.

“With the planned sale of ThermoSafe, we are completing the next step in Sonoco’s portfolio transformation, which has resulted in significantly streamlining our operations from a large portfolio of diversified businesses into two core global business segments. This simplified structure features incredibly robust businesses with industry leadership and sustainable futures serving large global customers,” said Howard Coker, President and CEO. “Our transformation enables us to deliver more sustainable growth that build on our strengths and allow us to drive value for our customers. Sonoco is proud of what we have accomplished in building ThermoSafe into one of the industry’s leading players while more than doubling revenues since 2012 and substantially improving technology and product offerings serving our customers’ ever-changing needs. We thank the entire ThermoSafe team for their years of delivering quality products and providing outstanding customer service on behalf of Sonoco. We know their knowledge, experience and leadership will be greatly valued by their new owner and wish the entire team continued success in the future.”

Proforma for the transaction, the expected net proceeds from the divestiture, excluding any additional consideration, are projected to further reduce Sonoco’s net leverage ratio (defined as second quarter total debt less cash and expected net proceeds divided by the midpoint of our 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance range less ThermoSafe’s pro forma adjusted EBITDA) to approximately 3.5x.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to Sonoco. Freshfields LLP acted as Sonoco’s legal advisor. Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Arsenal.

About Arsenal Capital Partners

Arsenal Capital Partners is a leading private equity investment firm that specializes in building market-leading industrial growth and healthcare companies. Since its inception in 2000, Arsenal has raised institutional equity investment funds totaling over $10 billion, completed more than 300 platform and add-on acquisitions, and achieved more than 35 realizations. Driven by our commitment to unlock potential in people, businesses, and technologies, the firm partners with management teams to build strategically important companies with leading market positions, high growth, and high value-add. For more information, visit www.arsenalcapital.com.

About Sonoco

Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a global leader in value-added, sustainable metal and fiber consumer and industrial packaging. The Company is now a multi-billion-dollar enterprise with approximately 23,400 employees working in 285 operations in 40 countries, serving some of the world’s best-known brands. Guided by our purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life.,^® we strive to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence to provide solutions that better serve all our stakeholders and support a more sustainable future. Sonoco was proudly named one of America’s Most Trustworthy and Responsible Companies by Newsweek in 2025. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.

Contact:

Roger Schrum – Media Contact – (843) 339-6018 – roger.schrum@sonoco.com

Source: Sonoco Products Company