European Commission approves International Paper’s acquisition of DS Smith subject to conditions

The European Commission
January 23, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, International

The European Commission has conditionally approved International Paper’s $7.16 billion acquisition of DS Smith, contingent on divestitures of five facilities to address competition concerns. This includes three plants in Normandy, France, one in Ovar, Portugal, and one in Bilbao, Spain, ensuring competition remains intact in key European markets. The divestitures eliminate overlaps in corrugated packaging markets in northwest France, northern Portugal, and northeastern Spain. The regulator noted that, without these measures, the merger would have reduced market competition due to high concentration levels, likely resulting in increased costs for businesses relying on corrugated products. …The Commission’s decision, finalized on January 24, 2025, follows a detailed investigation under the EU Merger Regulation.

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