Copenhagen, Denmark – 3 December 2024 – Thorleif Blok, Kirk Kapital and remaining shareholders sell TPS Rental Systems (TPS) to HB RTS, a portfolio company of UK-based private equity fund Arcus Infrastructure Partners.

TPS is a leading provider of end-to-end systems of foldable intermediate bulk containers (IBC), bag-in-box (BIB) containers and the sale of accompanying liner bags and connectors. Following its acquisition of Metano Ltd in 2020, TPS strengthened its position in the UK market and insourced liner bag production. This combination of containers and liners has allowed TPS to play a critical role in the supply chains of European producers, particularly in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food and beverages industries. TPS has established a strong market presence across Europe, including in the UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and the Nordics.

HB RTS is a logistics service provider specializing in the rental and pooling of reusable load carriers and related services. Their offerings include rental, pool management, cleaning, and return logistics for various returnable transport items (RTIs) such as crates, pallets, pallet boxes, and rolling load carriers. The strategic acquisition of TPS enhances HB RTS’s position as a provider of sustainable logistics solutions to a variety of industries across Europe.

Kirk Kapital has been a shareholder in TPS since 2018, in partnership with Thorleif Blok. Both investors will divest all their shares as part of this transaction.

Kim Gulstad, CEO of Kirk Kapital, stated “Kirk Kapital invested in TPS over six years ago and has since supported the company in key strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of Metano. It has been a pleasure collaborating with Thorleif Blok, the other co-shareholders, the Board and the talented management and employees of TPS. Their collective efforts have solidified TPS’s unique position within supply chains across Europe. We are proud to achieve a sound return on our investment and to have contributed to TPS’s successful journey.”

Thorleif Blok, investor and Chairman of the Board of TPS, added “I invested in TPS over 20 years ago and have witnessed its remarkable growth from a small local company to a European leader in IBC and BIB solutions. It has been an incredible journey working alongside the employees and management, and since 2018, in partnership with Kirk Kapital. I am confident in TPS’s bright future and believe that HB RTS is the right owner to help the company reach its full potential.”

About TPS

TPS is a global provider of end-to-end solutions of foldable IBC containers, BIB liners, container fittings, filling and emptying equipment. The company operates in ten countries, supporting both local and international supply chains. TPS serves various sectors, including cosmetics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals and other niche industries.
For more information, visit: https://www.tpsrentalsystems.co.uk/

About HB RTS

HB RTS is a leading European provider of Returnable Transport Items (RTIs) and related services. The company optimizes supply chains through rental, pooling, cleaning, and returns solutions. With over 350 employees operating across multiple countries, HB RTS is dedicated to reducing costs, minimizing environmental impact, and advancing the circular economy in Europe. HB RTS was acquired by Arcus Infrastructure Partners in 2021.
For more information, visit: https://www.hb-rts.com/en

About Kirk Kapital

Kirk Kapital is a family-owned investment company owned by the Kirk Johansen family. The Kirk Johansen family are descendants of Ole Kirk Christiansen, who established LEGO. Kirk Kapital manages approx. DKK 19 billion in AUM invested across Strategic Investments and Financial Investments. Within Strategic Investments, Kirk Kapital is an active long-term owner with larger minority positions in 17 companies.
For more information, visit: www.kirkkapital.dk