Sealed Air Nears Final Chapter as Public Company with CD&R Buyout

Sealed Air US81211K1007

The packaging specialist Sealed Air is in the final stages of transitioning to private ownership. The firm, which is set to be acquired by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), has scheduled the release of its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results for March 2, prior to the market opening. In a clear sign of the pending change, Sealed Air will not host a customary earnings call and has declined to issue any financial guidance for the 2026 fiscal year.

Key Transaction Details
* Acquisition Price: The all-cash offer values Sealed Air equity at $42.15 per share.
* Total Enterprise Value: The deal carries an enterprise value of $10.3 billion, which includes the assumption of debt.
* "Go-Shop" Outcome: A period allowing Sealed Air to solicit superior offers concluded on December 17 without a competing bid emerging.
* Final Earnings Report: Results for Q4 and FY 2025 will be published March 2; no conference call or 2026 outlook will accompany them.
* Expected Closing: The transaction is anticipated to be finalized around mid-2026, pending approval from shareholders and regulatory authorities.
* Post-Closing Status: Upon completion, Sealed Air shares will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), ending its public trading status.

A definitive merger agreement with CD&R was first announced on November 17, 2025, setting the $10.3 billion enterprise valuation. The $42.15 per-share price represented a significant premium at the time of the announcement—approximately 41% above the unaffected share price from August 14, 2025, and about 24% over the 90-day volume-weighted average price leading up to November 12, 2025. Sealed Air's board of directors unanimously approved the transaction. The absence of any competing proposals during the subsequent "go-shop" window suggests that no alternative deal was deemed more attractive by the company or its advisors.

Market sentiment appears confident in the deal's completion, with Sealed Air's stock recently trading close to the acquisition price.

Shifting Reporting Standards and Key Milestones

The ongoing buyout process is already altering the company's communication with the investment community. The decision to forgo an earnings call and future guidance is a direct consequence of the privatization effort. Once the acquisition is complete, Sealed Air will operate as a private entity, significantly reducing its obligation to publicly disclose detailed financial performance data.

For current shareholders and market observers, two critical dates remain. The publication of final audited results on March 2 will be the last comprehensive financial report issued as a public company. Following that, all attention turns to the expected closing window in mid-2026, contingent upon receiving the necessary shareholder and regulatory green lights. The culmination of the process will be the removal of Sealed Air's ticker from the NYSE.