Packaging group Ardagh is to buy the Boxal group of companies from Exal Corporation in a deal worth about €85 million.

The acquisition of Boxal, which manufactures aluminium containers, is expected to help the firm diversify into the aluminium can market. Boxal currently supplies aerosols and bottles to a range of industries including cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food and beverages.

Primarily based in France and the Netherlands, Boxal's facilities can produce more than 900 million containers each year, and currently supplies global brands L'Oreal, Coca-Cola, Heineken, Dove, Pantene and Nivea.

Ardagh produces metal and glass packaging solutions and operates 88 manufacturing plants in 25 countries, employing 14,000 people.