Metier exits its investment in Master Plastics

Master Plastics (Pty) Limited (“Master Plastics”) is proud to announce the next chapter in its growth journey, enabled by a strategic funding package comprising equity and structured debt support from Nedbank CIB (“Nedbank”) and Investec Investment Banking (“Investec”). This transaction was completed in partnership with Manley Diedloff (CEO of Master Plastics) and Metier Private Equity (“Metier”), an existing shareholder, and positions the business for further growth. 

Master Plastics (Pty) Limited (“Master Plastics”) is proud to announce the next chapter in its growth journey, enabled by a strategic funding package comprising equity and structured debt support from Nedbank CIB (“Nedbank”) and Investec Investment Banking (“Investec”). This transaction was completed in partnership with Manley Diedloff (CEO of Master Plastics) and Metier Private Equity (“Metier”), an existing shareholder, and positions the business for further growth. 

The transaction perimeter of the management-led buyout of Master Plastics included its strategic divisions – namely PlusNet, Barrier Film Converters and Peninsula Packaging.

The transaction successfully delivered an exit for Metier Capital Growth Fund II and positions the business for further innovation and expansion into global recyclable packaging solutions and agri-processing advancement.

Nedbank acted as Mandated Lead Arranger, bookrunner, coordinator, lender, and equity provider, structuring a holistic funding solution to meet immediate and long-term growth goals.

“This transaction is a further outcome of our focused capital allocator strategy and demonstrates our ability to structure competitive, bespoke and holistic funding solutions across the full capital stack, reinforcing our expertise in the market", said Gary Galolo, Principal in the Leveraged and Diversified Finance team at Nedbank. "Sustainable Innovation is reshaping industries with this transaction evidencing how strategic financing can enable both business growth and environmental progress."

Investec played a joint funding and equity provider role in the transaction, extending its existing partnership with Master Plastics by contributing capital and strategic insight to support the long-term growth ambitions of the business.

"This transaction reflects the private equity partnership we value, focused on long-term growth, measurable environmental impact, and scalable solutions. We're proud to support Metier and Master Plastics in unlocking the next phase of sustainable growth," said Rishanth Pillay, Head of the Sponsor Leveraged Finance team at  Investec.

PlusNet, Barrier Film Converters and Peninsula Packaging are recognised for shade-netting technologies that support sustainable agriculture and the development of recyclable packaging solutions for food and fresh produce applications. Their innovations minimise the environmental impact of packaging, extends shelf life, improve crop yields, reduce food waste, conserve water, and reduces energy usage, driving tangible outcomes across the food and agri-processing value chain.

Metier, a long-standing investor supporting the growth of businesses across the continent, seeks to build on its 20+ year relationship with Manley Diedloff and will work with the experienced management team at Master Plastics to continue to expand the group’s market presence and technical capacity.

"These businesses are well-positioned for continued growth in sectors critical to economic development and environmental stewardship," said Peter Rowse, Investment Executive at Metier. "We are proud to partner with Nedbank, Investec and Manley to support this next growth phase."