Dec 08, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. The Smithers Group announced the acquisition of Pira International. "Pira represents a tremendous strategic fit for Smithers", commented Michael Hochschwender, President and CEO of The Smithers Group. "We have long respected the Pira organization and we are excited about what this acquisition means for our clients in terms of the expanded service offerings they will see from both Smithers and Pira." Mr. Hochschwender added. Pira International is the worldwide authority on the packaging, paper and print industry supply chains.