SWEDEN – Ahlstrom, a fiber-based specialty materials company, has finalized the sale of its Aspa pulp mill in Sweden to Sweden Timber.
The transaction, encompassing the entire pulp mill and its operations, was initially agreed upon on October 14, 2024, though financial terms were not disclosed.
The Aspa pulp mill produces both bleached and unbleached softwood pulp, serving a broad range of applications in the global paper industry.
With an annual capacity of around 200,000 tonnes and a workforce of 174, Aspa has been a notable facility in the sector.
Sweden Timber, a prominent producer of wood, paper, and wood composite products, aims to expand its portfolio by integrating pulp production through this acquisition.
Sweden Timber CEO Mikael Arvidsson expressed enthusiasm about the purchase, stating, “We look forward to continuing business and developing Aspa together with the mill’s experienced team. We are committed to maintaining service to our existing customers with Aspa’s high-quality pulp.”
The divestment allows Ahlstrom to refocus on its core specialty materials portfolio, supporting its broader growth and transformation strategy.
Tredegar sells Terphane to Oben Group for US$116M
In a parallel development, Tredegar, a U.S.-based plastic film manufacturer, has completed the sale of its Brazilian flexible packaging films subsidiary, Terphane, to Oben Group, a Peruvian flexible packaging solutions provider.
Originally agreed upon on September 1, 2023, the deal was finalized with a cash-free, debt-free base price of US$116 million.
The acquisition aligns with Oben Group’s goal of expanding its manufacturing capabilities and strengthening its position in global markets.
Terphane, which supplies polyester films to customers in over 30 countries, is expected to bolster Oben’s operational efficiencies and foster market growth.
Tredegar President and CEO John Steitz commented, “The sale of Terphane completes a strategic goal we’ve pursued for over a year. We believe Terphane will find greater scale and growth opportunities with Oben, a global player in flexible films.”
With over 1,500 employees, Tredegar operates production facilities across North America and Asia, focusing on custom aluminum extrusions and surface protection films for high-tech industries.
Oben Group CEO Gonzalo Belaunde also welcomed the acquisition, stating, “We are pleased to complete the acquisition of Terphane. We believe our combined capabilities will enhance service and quality for our customers.”
Oben, with three decades in the industry, operates in over 17 countries, offering a diverse range of flexible films, extrusion-coated, and thermoformed products.
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