Asteria Group has taken over Mercian Labels, adding the UK-based company as its 41st production location.

Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

Mercian Labels operates from Burntwood, Staffordshire, and develops self-adhesive labels for food, drinks and pharmaceutical customers.

Its production work includes flexographic and digital printing, including inkjet, as well as finishing options.

The business also supplies blank labels and variable data products.

According to a company statement by Asteria, the acquisition broadens its presence in the UK labels market.

Mercian offers experience in tamper-evident and security labels used to support product protection and traceability for higher-value goods.

Its LabelLock range includes security labels and tapes with features such as micro text on a transparent adhesive edge and an ‘in-register’ void message.

According to the company, each label and every 150mm of tape contains a unique printed number beneath the surface and a scannable code intended to reduce the risk of editing or replacement.

The products are also designed to withstand temperature changes and chemical exposure.

Mercian holds an AA+ BRCGS Packaging Materials accreditation and is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.

Asteria Group CEO Ives Declerck said: “We are delighted to welcome the Mercian team to Asteria. Mercian has earned an excellent reputation for quality, expertise and customer focus. Their capabilities complement our existing UK operations perfectly while their strong position in food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets strengthens opportunities for future growth.”