Owens-Illinois Inc. (O-I) recently announced the acquisition of VDL Co., a single-furnace glass container plant in Vergeze, France, effective August 1. The acquisition is the result of a new strategic relationship with Nestle Waters, which is reportedly the world’s leading bottled water company.

The Vergeze plant is located near the Nestle Waters’ Perrier bottling facility and has a long-standing supply relationship with Nestle Waters. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, O-I will become the leading supplier of glass bottles for the Perrier brand, as well as Nestle Waters’ other water brands worldwide. O-I has long supplied Nestle Waters’ S. Pellegrino line, and the brand’s CEO is currently featured in O-I’s Glass is Life™ global advertising campaign.

“As a result of this deeper strategic relationship with Nestle Waters, O-I has the opportunity to support some of the preeminent brands in the water segment and reinforce glass’ position in this important category,” said Jose Lorente, president of O-I Europe.

O-I will pay approximately $15 million related to the acquisition of the Vergeze plant, which employs 132 people. The acquisition is expected to be earnings accretive in 2012.

For more information, visit www.o-i.com.