Packaging group strengthens offering

ÅR Packaging Group AB has announced the acquisition of the European tobacco, chocolate confectionery and general packaging operations from MeadWestvaco Corporation. The transaction has been successfully completed and the business will be consolidated from 1 May 2015.

The acquired operation includes three plants in Graz, Austria, Krakow, Poland and Moscow, Russia, and certain additional carton business and related machinery in Svitavy, Czech Republic. AR Packaging will operate the acquired business under the A&R Carton brand.

“We are happy to finalise this strategic move for AR Packaging where we establish an even stronger position as one of the leaders in the tobacco segment while enhancing the strategic position of key accounts in the confectionery and consumer goods segments. We elevate AR Packaging to a top three position in the European folding carton market with a total group net revenue of approximately €550m” says Harald Schulz, CEO of AR Packaging. “I look very much forward to integrating the newly acquired operations. This is an important milestone in realising our growth strategy in selected market segments.”