Mason Wells acquires direct-to-can digital printer Canworks
Milwaukee private equity firm Mason Wells has closed its acquisition of Canworks, a direct-to-aluminium-can digital printer founded in 2020, the firm announced on 14 October 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed; founders Ryan and Marshall Thompson and Canworks management retained a stake alongside Mason Wells.
Why this mattersPrivate-equity backing for what Canworks calls the largest US direct-to-can digital printer gives short-run can decoration, an alternative to labels and sleeves, capital to grow.
- Mason Wells announced the closed acquisition of Canworks on 14 October 2026; deal value undisclosed.
- Canworks operates five US plants: Austin (HQ), Atlanta, Vista, St Louis and Windsor.
- Founders Ryan and Marshall Thompson and Canworks management reinvested alongside Mason Wells.
- Ally Corporate Finance provided acquisition financing; Quarles & Brady advised Mason Wells.
- Mason Wells has raised USD 2.4bn across five buyout funds and counts packaging materials and converting as one of four target sectors.
- Canworks says it has printed 500 million cans for more than 700 beverage brands and also sells can ends and PakTechs.
- The acquisition was funded from Mason Wells Buyout Fund V, a USD 767m vehicle.
- Canworks's beverage customer categories include craft beer, energy drinks, ready-to-drink cocktails, seltzers and kombucha.