Europapier acquires PaperlinX merchant business

Jul 18, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. Europapier International AG, a subsidiary of Heinzel Group, has signed an agreement to acquire the local merchant business of PaperlinX Group in Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia. It has been agreed that Europapier International AG will take over 100% of the shares in Budapest Papir Kft., Bratislavska Papierenska Spolocnost s.r.o., Alpe Papir Trgovina na debelo d.o.o., Adria Papir d.o.o., and Dunav Papir d.o.o., and thus become the sole shareholder of these companies, as Europapier Group said in the press release received by Lesprom Network. The acquisition will allow Europapier Group to gain access to an even broader range of products and increase its service level in the market. “Heinzel Group’s strategy is to grow its merchant business in Eastern Europe and to expand into the emerging markets of North Africa, the Middle East, and India. PaperlinX’ market position in Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia makes a good fit with Europapier’s leading position in CEE and is supporting the Heinzel Group’s strategy in paper merchanting,” explained Alfred H. Heinzel, President and CEO of Heinzel Group. “Furthermore this strategic acquisition will enhance our geographical coverage and strengthen our existing position in these five countries.” The agreement is still subject to approval by antitrust authorities. In the meantime there will be no changes at Europapier or local PaperlinX entities, Europapier Group and the PaperlinX companies involved will continue to act independently of each other and business will continue as usual. The internationally operating Europapier Group aspires to perform above industry standards in producing long-term, sustainable profits. By sales volume it is the most important paper merchant in CEE and a pioneer in this market. Europapier Group employs about 770 people and has an annual sales volume of around 445,000 tons.