Gerresheimer

Gerresheimer AG is a German industrial company focused on primary packaging for medicines, healthcare products and cosmetics, together with drug-delivery and medical-device systems. Its portfolio combines specialty glass, molded glass, plastics and increasingly complex device technologies. Products include vials, ampoules, cartridges, bottles, syringes, inhalation components, injection and infusion devices, and other systems used to contain, protect, administer or measure pharmaceutical products. The company traces its origins to 1864, when Ferdinand Heye established a glassworks in Gerresheim, then associated with Düsseldorf. The business initially became known as a major producer of bottles and other glass containers. Under the Heye family, it adopted industrial production methods and obtained European patent rights for the Owens automatic bottle-making machine, which entered operation at Gerresheim in 1908. This helped place the company within the modernization of large-scale glass manufacturing. During the twentieth century, Gerresheimer changed ownership several times. Owens-Illinois acquired a significant stake in 1959 and became the majority shareholder in 1971. The company adopted the name Gerresheimer Glas AG in 1972. It became independent again in the mid-1980s, later passed through ownership associated with WestLB, VIAG, Investcorp and Blackstone, and was removed from the stock exchange in 2003. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the business progressively moved away from mass-market beer and mineral-water bottles toward higher-value packaging for pharmaceuticals, life sciences and cosmetics. The company returned to the public markets in 2007 as Gerresheimer AG and joined the MDAX in 2008. Its subsequent expansion has combined acquisitions, international manufacturing and development of medical technologies. The purchase of the Wilden Group in 2007 strengthened plastic medical systems. Acquisitions and investments in Brazil, India and other regions expanded its geographic reach, while the purchase of Sensile Medical in 2018 added micropump technology and supported the Advanced Technologies division. Gerresheimer also holds a majority interest in Respimetrix, which develops inhalation-measurement technology. Gerresheimer operates production and development sites across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Reference material describes a network of approximately 47 locations in 16 countries. Its customers are primarily pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare and cosmetics companies that require regulated, consistent and technically specialized packaging or delivery components. The company presents itself as a development and manufacturing partner rather than merely a commodity container producer, emphasizing product quality, regulatory compliance, process reliability and integrated device solutions. Sustainability and operational safety have become stated elements of its corporate strategy. Gerresheimer joined the United Nations Global Compact in 2021 and set a goal of sourcing all electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030. The company has also reported renewable-electricity use at its Boleslawiec site and reductions in its carbon footprint and occupational accident rate relative to stated baselines. In December 2024, Gerresheimer announced an agreement to acquire Blitz LuxCo Sarl, the parent company of Bormioli Pharma Group, an Italian supplier of primary pharmaceutical packaging made from glass and plastic. The proposed transaction would broaden Gerresheimer’s European production footprint and pharmaceutical-packaging portfolio. In 2025, a consortium including KKR and Warburg Pincus submitted a non-binding bid for Gerresheimer AG; the reference material does not establish a completed transaction. Gerresheimer therefore remains an active, publicly traded German supplier serving regulated healthcare and cosmetics markets.

Gerresheimer’s history begins in 1864, when Ferdinand Heye founded a glassmaking business in Gerresheim near Düsseldorf. The company operated under a name associated with the Heye family and the Gerresheim glassworks. After the business was converted into a stock corporation in 1888, Heye’s son Hermann joined its management and became chairman in 1891. Hermann Heye remained a central figure in the company’s development until his death in 1941. The company pursued industrial scale and technical modernization early in its history. In 1907, Hermann Heye founded a European association of bottle manufacturers and secured European patent rights for the Owens automatic bottle-making machine. Gerresheimer placed the machine into operation in 1908, helping automate bottle production. For much of the twentieth century, the business was associated with large-scale glass containers, including bottles for beverages as well as containers for industrial and consumer markets. Ownership changed substantially after the Second World War. Owens-Illinois acquired a 50.1 percent stake in 1959 and became the majority owner in 1971. In 1972, the company was renamed Gerresheimer Glas AG. It became independent again from November 1985, when WestLB acquired approximately 58 percent of the shares from Owens-Illinois. VIAG later became associated with the ownership structure through its majority position in WestLB. In 2000, VIAG sold its stake to a consortium led by Investcorp in connection with the financing of the E.ON foundation. Gerresheimer Glas was delisted in 2003, and Blackstone acquired the company at the end of 2004. From the 1990s onward, Gerresheimer made a strategic transition from broad-based beverage-bottle production to specialized packaging for pharmaceuticals, life sciences and cosmetics. The Gerresheim glassworks and five other facilities were sold to BSN glasspack, a Danone subsidiary, in 1999. Owens-Illinois later acquired BSN glasspack, but closed the Gerresheim glassworks in 2005. The former industrial site subsequently became the subject of redevelopment plans, separate from Gerresheimer’s continuing operating business. The modern Gerresheimer AG emerged after the company returned to the stock market in June 2007. That year it acquired the Wilden Group, which was later renamed Gerresheimer Regensburg and integrated into the Medical Systems business within the Plastic & Devices division. The company continued international expansion through the acquisition of Brazilian closure manufacturer Tampas Herméticas Védat in 2011 and majority investments in Indian companies Neutral Glass & Allied Industries and Triveni Polymers in 2012. Gerresheimer broadened both its portfolio and technology base during the following decade. It acquired Centor in 2015, sold its tubing operations to Corning in the same year and established a joint venture with Corning intended to accelerate pharmaceutical-glass innovation. In 2016 it sold Kimble Chase, a joint venture with Chase Scientific Glass, to the Duran Group. In 2018 it acquired Swiss medical-technology company Sensile Medical, adding micropump capabilities and creating the Advanced Technologies division. Since 2019, Gerresheimer has held 60 percent of Respimetrix, a company active in inhalation measurement. The company completed a plant in Skopje in the first half of 2021 and has continued to operate production sites across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Sustainability became a more explicit strategic theme during this period. Gerresheimer joined the United Nations Global Compact in 2021, set a target for electricity consumption to come entirely from renewable sources by 2030, and reported renewable-electricity use at its Boleslawiec site. The company also reported a reduction in its carbon footprint and occupational accident rate against stated reference points. In December 2024, Gerresheimer announced the acquisition of Blitz LuxCo Sarl, the parent of Bormioli Pharma Group. Bormioli Pharma’s focus on primary pharmaceutical packaging in glass and plastic is aligned with Gerresheimer’s principal market and would expand its European manufacturing presence. In 2025, a consortium including KKR and Warburg Pincus made a non-binding bid for Gerresheimer. The supplied material does not confirm completion of the proposed transaction. The company’s present identity is therefore that of a global, publicly traded supplier of regulated pharmaceutical packaging, medical systems and selected drug-delivery technologies.

1. 2025Non-binding takeover bid reported

   A consortium including KKR and Warburg Pincus submitted a non-binding bid for Gerresheimer AG.

   Source
2. 2024Bormioli Pharma parent acquisition announced

   Gerresheimer announced the acquisition of Blitz LuxCo Sarl, the parent of Bormioli Pharma Group.

   Source
3. 2021UN Global Compact and sustainability commitments

   Gerresheimer became a United Nations Global Compact signatory and announced a goal of obtaining all electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

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4. 2018Sensile Medical acquired

   The acquisition of Sensile Medical added micropump technology and supported the Advanced Technologies division.

   Source
5. 2015Centor acquisition and Corning transaction

   Gerresheimer acquired Centor, sold its tubing operations to Corning and established a pharmaceutical-glass innovation joint venture with Corning.

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6. 2008Included in the MDAX

   Gerresheimer entered the German MDAX index.

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7. 2007Return to public markets and Wilden acquisition

   Gerresheimer returned to the stock market as Gerresheimer AG and acquired the Wilden Group.

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8. 2005Gerresheim glassworks closes

   Owens-Illinois closed the former Gerresheim glassworks.

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9. 2003Delisting

   Gerresheimer Glas was removed from the stock exchange.

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10. 1999Gerresheim glassworks sold to BSN glasspack

    The Gerresheim glassworks and five other production facilities were sold to BSN glasspack.

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11. 1990VIAG becomes associated with the ownership structure

    VIAG acquired a majority shareholding in WestLB, which held a major stake in Gerresheimer Glas.

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12. 1972Company renamed Gerresheimer Glas AG

    The company adopted the name Gerresheimer Glas AG.

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13. 1971Owens-Illinois becomes majority owner

    Owens-Illinois increased its holding to a majority position.

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14. 1959Owens-Illinois acquires a major stake

    Owens-Illinois acquired a 50.1 percent stake in Gerresheimer.

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15. 1908Owens automatic bottle machine enters production

    Gerresheimer put the Owens automatic bottle-making machine into operation after obtaining European patent rights.

    Source
16. 1888Conversion into a stock corporation

    The business was converted into a stock corporation and adopted a formal corporate structure.

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17. 1864Ferdinand Heye establishes the glassworks

    Ferdinand Heye founded the glassmaking business that became the basis of Gerresheimer.

    Source

A high-specification packaging and drug-delivery partner for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare and cosmetics companies, differentiated by specialty materials, regulated manufacturing, global production and device-development capabilities.

• Pharmaceutical glass containersPrimary pharmaceutical packaging

  Gerresheimer manufactures specialty-glass packaging used directly with medicines, including vials, ampoules, bottles and related formats. These containers are designed for regulated pharmaceutical applications where dimensional consistency, chemical resistance, barrier performance, cleanliness and compatibility with filling processes are important. Vials are a particularly significant product category for the company.

• Plastic pharmaceutical packagingPrimary pharmaceutical packaging

  The company produces molded and assembled plastic packaging for pharmaceutical and healthcare applications. The range includes containers, closures and components manufactured for regulated markets. Plastic capabilities complement Gerresheimer’s glass operations and support customers seeking lightweight, design-specific or integrated packaging formats.

• Medical systems and drug-delivery devicesMedical devices

  Gerresheimer’s Medical Systems activities cover components and systems used to administer medicines, including devices associated with injection, infusion and other delivery routes. The business combines plastics manufacturing, assembly and device engineering, allowing the company to participate in products that extend beyond the container itself.

• Micropump systemsAdvanced drug-delivery technology2018

  Micropump technology entered Gerresheimer’s portfolio through its 2018 acquisition of Swiss medical-technology company Sensile Medical. The capability forms part of the Advanced Technologies division and is intended for controlled delivery applications requiring compact, precisely engineered pumping systems.

• Inhalation measurement technologyRespiratory technology2019

  Through its majority ownership of Respimetrix, Gerresheimer participates in inhalation-measurement technology. This activity supports the characterization and development of inhalation-related products and complements the company’s wider drug-delivery and medical-device capabilities.

• Cosmetic packagingCosmetics packaging

  Gerresheimer supplies glass and plastic packaging for cosmetic products. These formats draw on the company’s materials, forming and finishing expertise while addressing the appearance, protection and production requirements of the cosmetics market.

• 2024Acquisition of Bormioli Pharma parent announcedM&A

  Bormioli Pharma’s primary pharmaceutical-packaging activities fit Gerresheimer’s core market and could expand its European manufacturing network.

  What changed. Gerresheimer announced the acquisition of Blitz LuxCo Sarl, the parent company of Bormioli Pharma Group.

  Aftermath. The available reference material describes the announcement but does not establish all completion details or post-transaction operating effects.

  Source
• 2021Renewable-electricity and sustainability programStrategy

  Environmental performance and occupational safety became explicit elements of Gerresheimer’s corporate strategy.

  What changed. The company joined the United Nations Global Compact and set a goal of sourcing 100 percent of its electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030.

  Aftermath. Gerresheimer reported renewable-electricity use at its Boleslawiec site and reductions in its carbon footprint and accident rate against stated baselines.

  Source
• 2018Acquisition of Sensile MedicalM&A

  Gerresheimer wanted to broaden its healthcare offering from packaging into advanced drug-delivery technology.

  What changed. The company acquired Swiss medical-technology business Sensile Medical and established the Advanced Technologies division.

  Aftermath. Gerresheimer added micropump expertise and strengthened its position in technically complex delivery systems.

  Source
• 2015Acquisition of CentorM&A

  Gerresheimer aimed to strengthen its pharmaceutical-packaging and delivery-system activities.

  What changed. The company acquired Centor.

  Aftermath. The transaction expanded Gerresheimer’s presence in pharmaceutical packaging and related systems.

  Source
• 2015Tubing sale and Corning innovation joint ventureStrategy

  Gerresheimer reviewed its glass portfolio while seeking to accelerate innovation in pharmaceutical glass.

  What changed. It sold its tubing operations to Corning and formed a joint venture with Corning focused on pharmaceutical-glass innovation.

  Aftermath. The move concentrated Gerresheimer’s activities while preserving a collaborative route to new pharmaceutical-glass technologies.

  Source
• 2007Acquisition of the Wilden GroupM&A

  Gerresheimer sought to expand beyond traditional glass containers into plastic medical systems.

  What changed. The company acquired the Wilden Group and later renamed it Gerresheimer Regensburg.

  Aftermath. The acquired business became part of the Medical Systems business within the Plastic & Devices division.

  Source
• 1990Shift toward specialized packagingStrategy

  Gerresheimer historically produced substantial volumes of beverage bottles, but changing ownership and market priorities supported a gradual move toward pharmaceutical, life-sciences and cosmetics packaging.

  What changed. The company reduced its emphasis on mass-market beer and water bottles and developed a more specialized portfolio centered on regulated packaging and medical systems.

  Aftermath. The strategic repositioning established the basis of Gerresheimer’s modern identity as a healthcare-packaging and drug-delivery supplier.

  Source

• 2025Consortium submits non-binding bid for Gerresheimer

  A consortium including KKR and Warburg Pincus submitted a non-binding offer for Gerresheimer AG. The available reference material does not indicate that the proposal resulted in a completed takeover.

  M&A
  Source
• 2024Gerresheimer announces acquisition of Bormioli Pharma parent

  Gerresheimer announced the acquisition of Blitz LuxCo Sarl, the parent company of Bormioli Pharma Group, an Italian producer of primary pharmaceutical packaging in glass and plastic. The transaction was presented as a way to expand Gerresheimer’s European footprint and portfolio.

  M&A
  Source

1. Gerresheimer