Sofidel Group Completes Acquisition of Former G-P Tissue Assets in Europe

The tissue producer Sofidel Group, Italy, reports that after waiting for the green light from the European Commission, it has finalized the acquisition from SCA of the former Georgia-Pacific businesses that are connected with consumer brands in the U.K., Republic of Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

The acquisition, which became effective April 1, includes:

• Consumer brands (toilet paper and household towel) in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland markets --Thirst Pockets, Kitten Soft, Inversoft, and Nouvelle
• The licensing for marketing other important brands in the same line of business in Belgium, the
  Netherlands, and Luxemburg—Lotus and Lotus Moltonel
• Production capacity at the Horwich plant (a converting plant), between Liverpool and
  Manchester, North West England (U.K.).

The acquisitions are "a further move in Sofidel’s international growth strategy," said Luigi Lazzareschi, Sofidel Group CEO. "Thanks to this acquisition," he added, "the Sofidel Group further strengthens its competitiveness in the U.K., Republic of Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, countries where the brands traditionally represent a very significant asset."

TAPPI
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