Jun 01, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. The Moelven Group has signed an agreement for the acquisition of Vänerply. The acquisition of Vänerply means that an important product for Moelven board materials will now also be produced in-house, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. As a part of the Moelven Group, Vänerply will become part of a more extensive industrial network which will contribute to synergies in areas including raw materials purchasing, distribution and marketing. Vänerply is located in Otterbäcken, Sweden, and produces plywood from spruce and pine. The company has the capacity to produce approximately 90,000 cubic metres or approximately 6 million square metres of plywood per year. Mikael Axelsson, CEO of Moelven Wood AB, is delighted with the decision: “We are acquiring Vänerply to become an even better supplier and collaboration partner for our customers. Vänerply is a strong brand, its products are good and geographically it is favourably placed for Moelven’s existing distribution concept for wood-based products for trade and industry. Our current revenue from the Swedish market amounts to approximately SEK 800 million ($130.5 million), and of this more than SEK 300 million ($49 million) is accounted for by board products. Approximately SEK 140 million ($22.8 million) of this figure can be attributed to plywood, and operations are growing. The acquisition of Vänerply means that an important product for Moelven in terms of volume can now be partially produced in-house. However, I would also like to stress that we will be continuing to serve the market with materials purchased from others, in exactly the same way as we have done up until now.” Moelven Wood AB supplies a wide range of wood-based products for trade and industry. An effective distribution system with a wide selection of products, both produced in-house and purchased, in the same system are important to be able to provide customers with a good service. The date for the takeover has yet to be determined. An application has been submitted to the Norwegian competition authorities, and one condition for the conclusion of the acquisition is that the authorities give the green light for the takeover. Vänerply will become part of the Moelven Group as soon as this occurs.