The core of a packaging machine for cigarette packets or similar packets is a rotary folding unit (11). On the perimeter of the folding unit, there are arranged holding members for packets or packet contents, for example folding mandrels (18) on the one hand and holding pockets (21) on the other hand. For reasons to do with their construction and/or function, the latter are positioned at an axial spacing from one another. In order to transfer packets or packet parts from the folding mandrels (18) to the holding pockets (21), the latter may moved relative to one another, in such a way that, in a transfer region, the folding mandrels (18) and the associated coaxial holding pockets (21) lie directly against one another.