Ropak Agrees to Acquire Packaging Products Firm

Ropak Corp., the Fullerton-based plastic container maker, said it has agreed in principle to acquire Can-Am Containers Ltd. of Nova Scotia for an undisclosed amount of cash.

Can-Am, founded in 1969, produces plastic packaging products, including bottles, pails, drums, reusable tote boxes and seedling trays. The privately held company, which had $10 million (Canadian) in revenue last year, serves customers mainly in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. The acquisition by Ropak, subject to approval by both companies’ boards, is expected to close at the end of April.

William E. Roper, Ropak’s chairman and chief executive, said acquiring Can-Am would broaden his company’s product line. Less than 10% of Can-Am’s revenues are from sales of products similar to those now made by Ropak, he said.

Ropak produces plastic shipping pails and related containers for foods, coatings and a variety of industrial and agricultural products at five plants in the United States and Canada.