Zeus, the Irish-owned global packaging solutions company, has announced its acquisition of JJ O’Toole, Ireland’s oldest packaging company.

Founded in 1914, JJ O’Toole employs 25 people, with customers including Dunnes Stores, Brown Thomas and Newbridge Silverware.

JJ O'Toole Ltd, based in Limerick, was established by John O'Toole. The third-generation family business has been steered for over a decade by the late Fergus O'Toole's wife, Vicki O'Toole (58).

The company primarily supplies eco-friendly and sustainable paper and cardboard packaging. Vicki O Toole was an EY EOY finalist in the Industry Category in 2018.

Deal consideration was not disclosed. The JJ O'Toole operating company was owned solely by Vicki O'Toole.

In Association with

JJ O’Toole Ltd booked a net profit of €290,000 in the year to June 2021 and had net worth of €2.6m at period end. Balance sheet cash was €1m, stocks were valued at €1m, and trade debtors amounted to €930,000. Total liabilities in June 2021 amounted to €1.55m.

Zeus founder and owner Brian O’Sullivan commented: “This is an exciting day for the Irish packaging sector. As Ireland’s longest established packaging company, JJ O’Toole has an impressive reputation in the Irish retail and ecommerce markets.

“As two strong Irish companies joining together, we are now in a stronger position than ever, allowing us to continue to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for our combined customer base. Zeus also remains on track to be the largest sole shareholder packaging company in the world by 2023.”

In October 2021, Zeus also acquired Limerick Packaging. More recently, Zeus acquired two UK packaging companies, Swanline Group and its sister company BoxMart.

Vicki O'Toole stated: “JJ O’Toole has an incredible history of survival and success with a kaleidoscope of wonderful stories. The company has been the centre of packaging excellence in Ireland for over a century with an outstanding reputation, endorsed by an exceptional loyal clientele, many who have remained with the company for over 40 years.

“I am extremely proud and honoured to have steered the company successfully into its 108th year. It has been a very emotional decision to sell JJ O'Toole but I believe the time is right and I am very confident the company will continue its successful journey under the robust and global Zeus umbrella.

“There are many synergies between both our companies, and I have no doubt our combined unique skillsets will result in a very positive and successful collaboration. My colleagues and I are very much looking forward to working closely alongside Brian O'Sullivan and his team." 

According to O’Sullivan, the Zeus group is on target to achieve annual revenue of over €400m this year.

Photo: Brian O’Sullivan and Vicki O'Toole