CLEARWATER, Fla., July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Ennis Containers, Inc., in Auburndale, Fla. has been acquired by Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B) in a transaction that was facilitated by Larry F. Lawson II, Chief Executive Officer/Senior Partner of VR Business Sales in Clearwater, Fla., (www.vrclearwater.com), a leader in the sale of privately held companies.

Founded in 1995 by Darryl Ennis, Ennis Containers is an industry leader in the production of custom-made, new 55 gallon steel drums for a variety of industrial and commercial requirements. The company provides superior high quality product and competitive pricing in addition to outstanding customer service. Ennis Containers prides itself on flexibility and its solid reputation in the industry.

Greif is a world leader in industrial packaging products and services. The company produces steel, plastic, fibre, corrugated and multiwall containers, protective packaging and containerboard, and provides blending, filling and packaging services for a wide range of industries. Greif also manages timber properties in North America. The company is strategically positioned in 45 countries to serve global as well as regional customers.

The decision to utilize VR was due to Lawson's expertise and track record of facilitating successful acquisitions.

'Lawson was highly recommended from referrals in the manufacturing distribution sectors in the Southeast U.S.,' said Ennis. 'Both the community and employees will benefit through this acquisition and continued growth and expansion plans Greif has for Ennis Containers.'

Lawson was highly instrumental in creating an exit strategy for Ennis which was beneficial to the team as well as for the company.

'Lawson is a dedicated professional with a commitment to excellence,' said VR President JoAnn Lombardi. 'This acquisition is an outstanding example of an accomplished VR industry leader coupled with innovative, state-of-the-art VR global processes and bringing about high quality results for which VR is known for worldwide.'

Lawson's strategy for the sale was to approach private equity groups, industrial owners, strategic buyers, and synergistic privately held and publicly traded companies. Greif was the best fit culturally for Ennis Containers, a family owned company.