Sealed Air gets regulatory approvals for acquisition by CD&R

Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE: SEE) has secured key regulatory and shareholder approvals for its pending acquisition by an affiliate of private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). The European Commission recently cleared the $6.2 billion transaction, concluding it would not raise competition concerns. Separately, Sealed Air shareholders overwhelmingly approved the deal at a special meeting, endorsing the acquisition by a CD&R affiliate.

The transaction, initially announced in November 2025, includes a 30-day "go-shop" period during which Sealed Air solicited competing offers. While 22 private equity firms and seven strategic parties submitted proposals, the company elected to proceed with CD&R's bid. Shareholders will receive $42.15 per share in cash, representing a 41% premium to the unaffected stock price as of August 2025.

Closing remains subject to customary conditions, including additional regulatory approvals. Sealed Air CEO Dustin Semach stated the company anticipates completion "in the coming months". The acquisition, valued at $10.3 billion in enterprise value, aims to leverage CD&R's industrial expertise to enhance Sealed Air's food and protective packaging businesses.

Industry observers note CD&R's history of operational restructuring and potential strategies, such as divesting or combining business units, following similar past transactions. Sealed Air, a global provider of packaging solutions with $5.4 billion in 2024 sales, will transition to private ownership upon closing.