International Paper Co. announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement to acquire DS Smith PLC, a major U.K.-based packaging provider, in a blockbuster all-share deal worth £5.8 billion ($7.2 billion). This acquisition solidifies International Paper’s global reach in the packaging industry and ends a fierce battle with competing bidder Mondi PLC.
International Paper acquires DS Smith in £5.8b deal : Thrilling Details of the Deal
The acquisition, anticipated to close by the fourth quarter of 2024, is set to reshape the international packaging landscape. The terms of the deal outline that DS Smith shareholders will receive 0.1285 new shares of International Paper for each DS Smith share held. This translates to 33.8% ownership of the combined group for DS Smith shareholders.
International Paper’s move to acquire DS Smith comes as Mondi PLC had previously expressed its intent to merge with the U.K. group in a £5.1 billion transaction. However, International Paper emerged victorious with its compelling bid equivalent to 415 pence per share.
Strategic Growth and Regulatory Hurdles
Andrew K. Silvernail, International Paper’s chief executive-elect, called the merger with DS Smith a “logical next step” in the company’s strategy to expand its global packaging operations. Silvernail stated that the transaction would create a leading position in renewable packaging across Europe and enhance International Paper’s North American business.
