UPM and Sappi in Radical Proposal to Create New Joint Venture for Graphic Papers

PrintWeek (12/04/25) Francis, Jo

UPM and Sappi have announced plans to combine their European-centric graphic paper businesses, encompassing a dozen paper mills, into a new joint venture. The two groups have signed a non-binding letter of intent. In a statement, UPM said the joint venture "would contribute to a more balanced and resilient European market, and make the industry better positioned to withstand market challenges and increasing imports to Europe.” Furthermore, the joint venture would include the entire €2.9bn turnover UPM Communication Papers business and paper mills in Finland, Germany, Scotland and the Blandin paper mill in the United States. From Sappi's side, its European graphic paper business has an enterprise value of €320m and its paper assets are spread throughout Austria, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands. Kirkniemi in Finland holds the distinction of being the world's largest coated publication paper mill.

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