In Australia and New Zealand, healthcare operations continue to grow.

 

Global distribution giant Bunzl has reiterated its expectation for acquisition activity to accelerate following a relatively quiet first half of 2026.

 

The reseller has announced just two bolt-on deals so far this year, representing committed spend of less than £20 million ($27 million). That follows an unusually subdued 2025 when Bunzl committed £132 million to eight acquisitions, well below recent historical levels.  

 

Meanwhile, Bunzl reported a solid set of first half results and upgraded its outlook for the full year.

 

In Australia and New Zealand, healthcare operations continued to grow, supported by new agencies, the April 2026 acquisition of Scientifix and customer wins in hospitals and elderly care. 

 

However, margins were held back by lower public-sector capital spending and project timing in New Zealand. 

 

Australian safety was weaker, with revenue and profit declining as mining and resources customers sought savings and delayed capital expenditure.

 

For more on this and other global news from OPI, go to https://www.opi.net/news/region/001-north-america/bunzl-expects-ma-to-pi...