Sealed Air Corporation to Go Private in $10.3 Billion Acquisition by CD&R

Sealed Air Corporation, renowned for its Bubble Wrap and Cryovac brands, has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) in an all-cash transaction valued at $10.3 billion. The deal, announced on November 17, 2025, will transition Sealed Air from a publicly traded company to private ownership.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sealed Air shareholders will receive $42.15 per share in cash, representing a 41% premium over the company's unaffected stock price as of August 14, 2025, and a 24% premium to the 90-day volume-weighted average price as of November 12, 2025. The transaction has been unanimously approved by Sealed Air's Board of Directors and is expected to close by mid-2026, pending stockholder approval and regulatory clearances.

Founded in 1960, Sealed Air has grown into a global leader in packaging solutions, operating 105 manufacturing facilities and serving customers in 117 countries. In 2024, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company reported net sales of $5.4 billion and employed approximately 16,400 individuals.

The acquisition agreement includes a 30-day "go-shop" period, allowing Sealed Air to solicit alternative acquisition proposals. Upon completion of the transaction, Sealed Air will become a privately held company and will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

Henry R. Keizer, Chairman of the Board of Sealed Air, stated, "After careful review of strategic alternatives over the past year, the Board is confident that this transaction delivers significant value and is in the best interests of our stockholders and the Company."

Dustin Semach, President and CEO of Sealed Air, commented, "Today marks an inflection point in Sealed Air’s history, and we look forward to embarking on this next phase of growth in partnership with CD&R."

Rob Volpe, Partner at CD&R, added, "Sealed Air is an exceptional global business with a talented leadership team, leading franchises, and attractive underlying fundamentals."

The acquisition is expected to bolster Sealed Air's growth in its Food and Protective businesses, emphasizing innovation and expanded capabilities. The partnership with CD&R aims to create more opportunities for Sealed Air's employees through enhanced investment in the company's core business areas.

Sealed Air has a history of strategic acquisitions and divestitures to strengthen its market position. Notably, in 2011, the company acquired Diversey Holdings, expanding its footprint in the cleaning and hygiene solutions sector. The current acquisition by CD&R represents a significant shift, transitioning Sealed Air to private ownership for the first time since its initial public offering in 1960.

This acquisition reflects a broader trend of private equity firms investing in the packaging industry, seeking to capitalize on the sector's growth and innovation potential. As Sealed Air prepares to go private, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the company leverages this new partnership to drive future success.