In the first phase of the combination, the European part of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business, LP Europe, is combined with Munksjö. The first phase of the transaction is expected to take place on May 27, 2013 at the latest, provided that for example the competition clearance from the European Commission has been obtained before that.
The approval from CADE is subject to the divestiture of Ahlstrom's abrasive paper backings and pre-impregnated decor paper lines in Osnabrück, Germany to a third party in accordance with the commitments provided to the Brazilian competition authority, which are in line with those given to the EU Commission.
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.
Ahlstrom