EC approves merger of Ahlstrom's division with Munksjo

With this approval, Ahlstrom and Munksjö are initiating the final steps of the closing procedures of the first phase of the transaction, in which LP Europe, the European part of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business, is combined with Munksjö. The completion is expected to take place on May 27, 2013 at the latest. The clearance from CADE, the Brazilian competition authority, has been received already.

The approval is subject to the divestiture of Ahlstrom's abrasive paper backings and pre-impregnated decor paper lines in Osnabrück, Germany, to a third party. Ahlstrom has started to prepare for the divestiture process and is looking into different alternatives to divest its abrasive backings and pre-impregnated decor paper businesses. 

The divestment process does not prevent Ahlstrom from closing the first phase of the transaction, the combination of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing European business (LP Europe) with Munksjö, on May 27, 2013 at the latest. Ahlstrom shareholders who hold shares in Ahlstrom or have purchased Ahlstrom shares prior to the close of trading today will receive new shares in Munksjö Oyj as a demerger consideration in the LP Europe Demerger.

Ahlstrom