The Swedish group has bought a 51% stake in Interlabels, which has two factories in India and one in Kenya.

Although the deal gives Skanem a footprint in India for the first time, it already has a presence in Asia through a factory it owns in Bangkok, Thailand.

Skanem owner and chief executive Ole Rugland said the deal would “strengthen Skanem’s overall vision and strategy”.

He described Interlabels as “a well-run, profitable company” and said that Skanem would aim to support that growth.

Interlabels managing director Bhavin Kothari said the alliance would “help ensure a continual strong focus on innovations and leadership in the South Asian region”.

Interlabels has 200 staff and produces both self-adhesive labels and label applicators.

It has factories in Mumbai and Baddi in India and Nairobi in Kenya and exports to the Middle East, east Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Financial details of the deal have not been made public.