Berlin Packaging, Chicago, acquired United States Container Corp. (USCC), a Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.-based distributor of industrial and rigid packaging. The transaction increases Berlin Packaging's national footprint with an expanded presence in key California and Arizona markets, providing more resources for customers seeking packaging, inventory management solutions and value-added services.

With the integration of USCC personnel and operations, Berlin Packaging will have more than 90 sales and warehouse locations across North America, more than 120 packaging consultants and sales managers, and annual revenues approaching $800 million. Berlin Packaging will also inherit a strengthened packaging portfolio, including drums, pails and industrial bulk containers. USCC customers will also gain the benefit of Berlin Packaging's nationwide geographic coverage; access to specialty offerings including Qorpak lab supplies, Dangerous Goods shipping systems and Freund Container in-stock packaging and industrial supplies; and custom packaging and graphic design, global sourcing, capital lending and consulting services.

"Every acquisition we have made has had the same objectives—to make Berlin Packaging into a stronger supplier and to increase our geographic footprint so that even more customers have access to our solutions and services," says Andrew Berlin, chairman and CEO of Berlin Packaging. "The acquisition of USCC fits perfectly into our strategy and will yield great returns for customers, suppliers and employees alike. We're better positioned than ever to help customers accelerate business growth by optimizing their packaging strategies."

Berlin Packaging is majority owned by Investcorp, an alternative investment management firm based in New York.