Private equity advisory firm Apax Partners LLP is buying Tosca Services LLC, a provider of food-related packaging materials. Atlanta-based Tosca produces of corrugated and reusable packaging products for perishable items such as protein, eggs, produce and cheese. The target operates 14 U.S. service centers, distributing packaging materials to grocery retailers and suppliers. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Headquartered in New York and London, Apax is a private equity firm that has raised and advised more than $48 billion in assets under management since inception. Apax targets the technology and telecommunications, business services, healthcare and consumer goods sectors. The firm has had its fair share of middle-market deals, recently acquiring SaaS provider ECi Software Solutions, Answers Corp. and retailer Rue21. “In today’s complex and fast-changing grocery environment, challenged by increasing pricing competition, grocers need a solution like Tosca’s that drives supply chain efficiency and simplicity while also positively impacting the environment,” states Apax partner Ashish Karandikar. “We see significant opportunities for the company to continue to innovate and are delighted to work alongside the existing management team as the company enters its next phase of growth.” Other recent packaging deals include: ProAmpac’s purchase of PolyFirst Packaging; Dade Paper & Bag Co.’s agreed to merge with Imperial Bag & Paper Co. LLC; Sabert Corp. is buying of Mullinix Packages Inc. from Mason Wells; and Sonoco’s (NYSE: SON) deal to purchase Clear Lam Packaging Inc. William Blair & Co. LLC is serving as financial adviser to Tosca, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel. RSM US LLP and PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP are serving as accounting advisers to Tosca.