The ratings on Berry Plastics Holding Corp., the parent of Berry Plastics Corp., reflect its highly leveraged financial profile, which is partially offset by the company's fair business profile with large market shares in niche segments, a well-diversified customer base, and strong customer relationships. With annual sales of about $1.4 billion, privately held, Evansville, Ind.-based Berry is a leading manufacturer and supplier of plastic injection-molded and thermoformed open-top containers, aerosol overcaps, drinking cups, housewares, closures for the health care and food and beverage segments, pharmaceutical bottles, and prescription vials. The bulk of Berry's output is sold to dairy, food, beverage, health care, and other consumer product segments, a relatively recession-resistant customer base. The company's business profile also benefits from a
