SCA has accepted DS Smith´s formal offer to acquire the packaging operations in France following consultations with appropriate works councils. As a result, a sale and purchase agreement has been signed by both parties.

On 17 January 2012, SCA announced that its packaging operations – excluding the two kraftliner mills in Sweden – will be sold to DS Smith. The agreed purchase price amounts to EUR 1.7bn on a debt free basis.

As for the French part of the packaging operations, the price for which is included in the announced purchase price, DS Smith had made a formal offer to acquire also those operations. This acquisition was subject to consultation with the French works councils and has been managed separately.

After the consultation with the French works councils has been completed, SCA has accepted DS Smith's formal offer, and as a result, a sale and purchase agreement for the French operations has now been signed.

Following the signing of the sale and purchase agreement, the process will continue towards completing the entire transaction, which includes review of relevant competition authorities. Closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the second quarter 2012.