An apparatus for receiving, from a wide container stream upstream from the apparatus, single-lane container streams and creating package units of containers includes a separating and/or combining unit, application elements, and a linear transporter. The unit separates and/or combines containers to form partial packaged units that are then combined into a package unit. The application elements are disposed so that at least one container of a package unit has, on a contact surface thereof, adhesive or glue. The linear transporter comprises transport elements circulate along a guide element, and a controllable drive. Each transport element of the linear transporter comprises as many head guides as there are containers in the package unit, each of which is axially movable or rotatable relative to the transport element.