Displaying items by tag: BillerudKorsnäs

Wednesday, 03 April 2013 18:00

Billerudkorsnäs Annual Report for 2012 released

BillerudKorsnäs’ Annual Report for 2012, including the Sustainability Report for 2012, is now available at www.billerudkorsnas.com. The printed version of the Annual Report will be distributed to shareholders and other stakeholders that have requested this.

Published in Financial News
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Thursday, 14 March 2013 07:20

BillerudKorsnäs establishes bond program

On March 13, 2013 the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) approved and registered BillerudKorsnäs’ prospectus in connection with the establishment of the company’s Swedish Medium Term Note program (MTN). The program has a limit of SEK 5 billion and enables BillerudKorsnäs to issue bonds on the Swedish market. “The program is a natural step to create flexilibity in our debt portfolio and enable efficient funding”, says Susanne Lithander, CFO BillerudKorsnäs.

The prospectus is published on BillerudKorsnäs’ website www.billerudkorsnas.com and at www.finansinspektionen.se.

SEB is the arranger and is also dealer together with Handelsbanken Capital Markets

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CEO Per Lindberg comments on the development during Q4 2012:

“With the finalization of the historic combination between Billerud and Korsnäs, the fourth quarter was an unusually eventful one. We also completed the integration of our paper machines in Finland during the quarter. The integration process at BillerudKorsnäs progresses as planned, and from the next quarter on we will start to report the benefits of our synergies. The synergies for the two acquisitions are estimated at approximately SEK 330 million annually, with full impact from the end of 2015.

Our preferential rights issue was oversubscribed, and we greatly value the firm support we have received from our shareholders. The proceeds of the issue, approximately SEK 2 billion, strengthen our financial position and create scope for us to capture future business opportunities.

While our quarterly results have been charged with a number of extra costs, the underlying operational results for the Group are still stable. Most importantly of all, we remain highly optimistic regarding the future opportunities open to BillerudKorsnäs.”

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billkorlogoPaolo Roberto is set to launch his first food products on the Swedish market, under the PAOLOS brand. A range of pasta and sauce products will be presented. BillerudKorsnäs’ collected knowledge helped to identify the ultimate packaging solution – made by FibreForm®. Designed as a boxing belt, the packaging pays tribute to the title holder who now wants to help everyone become champion of the kitchen.

Boxer, programme host, actor, cookbook author and more. Paolo Roberto can list many roles on his CV. He recently set up a new company to market high-quality Italian food under the Paolo brand.

“To begin with, it will be fresh pasta and sauces. The pasta is made with durum wheat and will be the best sold in Sweden”, says Paolo Roberto, with his customary boxer’s modesty.

thumb pastaHe describes his range as products made from real ingredients and inspired by his own family recipes. In addition to the durum wheat, the finest mozzarella from Italy and parmesan from Parma will guarantee high quality.

“But for people to taste these wonderful products they will have to be able to locate them in the shop. That’s where the packaging comes in”, says Paolo Roberto.

The packaging for Paolos mat was produced in partnership with NINE, the design and innovation agency owned by BillerudKorsnäs. The result is functional packaging with a background shaded in durum wheat yellow. Down-to-earth colours and details suggestive of a craft product signal naturalness and authenticity. The packaging is made by Chesapeake UK, which uses a special process to convert the FibreForm material that is marketed under the brand Impressions™.

“The most important thing is that they are different, they are not supposed to look like other packages on the pasta shelf. They are supposed to be a little more stylish and much better. BillerudKorsnäs and NINE represent knowledge. They were responsive to our ideas, but at the same time were strong enough to tell us about what didn’t work on the shelf or in production. We’re delighted and see this cooperation continuing long term. Now, I just can’t wait until Week 6 when my products will reach most shops”, says Paolo Roberto.

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billkorlogoQ4 2012 will be the first quarterly report for BillerudKorsnäs. Korsnäs is consolidated into the group with effect from closing November 29 2012. Q4 2012 is charged with approximately SEK 220 million in non-recurring acquisition related costs, goodwill impairment and periodical maintenance shutdown costs. BillerudKorsnäs’ operating profit for Q4 2012 is estimated at approximately SEK 25 million. Excluding additional costs and Korsnäs contribution, the Q4 2012 operating profit is in line with the operating profit in Q3 2012.

CEO Per Lindberg comments Q4 2012 results:

“Quarter four was exceptionally eventful, and we concluded the historical combination between Billerud and Korsnäs. In the light of the changes in the group structure, we feel we should clarify to the market the implications on our financial performance. Even if the quarter has been charged with several additional costs, the underlying operating performance of the group remains stable. And above all, we continue to view the future prospects for BillerudKorsnäs as very positive.”

BillerudKorsnäs operating profit in Q4 2012 is affected by several additional cost items that result in deviations from Q3 2012, as shown below. Additional costs were approximately SEK 213 million higher than in Q3 2012. 

bill fig

In addition to previously stated SEK 45 million in acquisition related costs in Q4 2012, additional non-recurring costs of around SEK 36 million has been added, arising from reduction of surplus value in the acquired finished goods inventory relating to the sold part after the acquisition. Thus, in Q4 2012 non-recurring acquisition related costs total approximately SEK 80 million.

The operating profit for Q4 2012 is also charged with a goodwill impairment of approximately SEK 20 million due to the divestment of Tenova Bioplastics’ operations.

Compared to Q3 2012, fixed costs excluding the cost of periodical maintenance shutdowns are estimated to be approximately SEK 90 million higher in Q4 2012, due to normal quarterly variations. Costs attributable to periodical maintenance shutdowns in Q4 2012 total approximately SEK 120 million, in line with what has been previously communicated.  

BillerudKorsnäs’ operating profit for Q4 2012 is estimated at approximately SEK 25 million. Adjusted to reflect non-recurring costs of approximately SEK 100 million, the operating profit is estimated at approximately SEK 125 million. Excluding the above-mentioned additional costs, and adjusted for Korsnäs’ contribution during Q4 2012, the operating profit is in line with the operating profit in Q3 2012. The operating profit is still provisional and has not been reviewed by the company’s auditor.

BillerudKorsnäs will publish its complete year-end report for 2012 on 8 February 2013.

The following files are available for download: PDF

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greenThe Commission has decided to finance commercially-viable and innovative production facilities to expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce CO2emissions. BillerudKorsnäs’ project on the production of green oil from forestry residues has been allocated funds within the scope of this initiative.

The aim of the project is to extract green oil from forestry residues such as branches, tops and stumps. The project is based on the idea of producing a new type of commercial fuel at a full-scale facility at Skärblacka Mill.

“We are delighted at the EU’s affirmative response to this forward-looking venture. On the basis of this positive decision, we will now continue with our project planning and I anticipate news on the way ahead in 2013”, says Per Lindberg, President and CEO, BillerudKorsnäs.

BillerudKorsnäs is engaged in discussion with joint venture partners who are interested in a future supply of green oil from forest raw materials.

Published in Financial News

billkorlogoThe combination of Billerud and Korsnäs was completed today 29th Nov 2012. The new company BillerudKorsnäs will be a leading player in primary fibre-based packaging material and solutions. In connection with the combination, the Board of Directors of BillerudKorsnäs has decided upon new financial targets.

As previously announced, Billerud entered into an agreement with Kinnevik on 19 June 2012 to acquire all shares in Korsnäs. The conditions of the acquisition has now been met and the combination between Billerud and Korsnäs was completed today by Billerud acquiring all shares in Korsnäs. In connection with the combination, the Board of Directors of BillerudKorsnäs have decided, with the authorisation of the extraordinary general meeting on 14 September 2012, to execute a share issue with preferential right for the shareholders. Information about terms and conditions regarding the rights issue will be announced in a separate press release, sent immediately following this press release.

Consideration
The consideration for the acquired shares shall according to the combination agreement consist of newly issued shares in BillerudKorsnäs corresponding to an ownership share of 25.1% [1] of the votes in the company, cash payment which, at the date of the agreement, was estimated to SEK 3 200 million and the assumption by BillerudKorsnäs of the existing external net debt of Korsnäs which, at the date of the agreement, was estimated to SEK 5 650 million.

At the day of completion an issue to Kinnevik of 34 551 592 shares has been implemented corresponding to an ownership for Kinnevik of 25.1% of the votes and an increase in BillerudKorsnäs’ share capital in the amount of SEK 255 153 438. The cash payment has been subject to a preliminary adjustment based on estimated levels of external net debt, working capital, and investments as of the date of the completion of the combination. The cash consideration was adjusted to SEK 3 253 million [2], as estimated external net debt in Korsnäs as of 29 November 2012 amounts to SEK 5 799 million [3], a deviation of SEK 149 million (compared to the calculated level of net debt on the day of signing of the combination agreement of SEK 5 650 million) and as estimated working capital in Korsnäs as of 29 November is SEK 202 million higher than an agreed, normalised level. The total consideration amounts to SEK 11 358 million (on a debt free basis and based on Billerud’s closing share price on 28 November 2012). Further adjustment regarding the cash payment may occur depending on actual levels of external net debt, working capital and investments as of the transaction’s completion date.

Of the cash payment SEK 500 million has been paid in the form of a vendor note to Kinnevik that will be used to subscribe for shares in the rights issue announced by the Board of Directors today (please see separate press release).

Change of company name
The change of company name from Billerud Aktiebolag (publ) to BillerudKorsnäs Aktiebolag (publ) is, as a result of Billerud acquiring the shares in Korsnäs, now effective.

New Board of Directors
In accordance with the resolution by the extraordinary general meeting on 14 September 2012, the changes regarding the Board of Directors are effective as a result of the completion. BillerudKorsnäs’ new Board of Directors as of today, until the next annual general meeting, consists of Hannu Ryöppönen (Chairman), Mia Brunell Livfors, Lennart Holm, Jan Homan, Gunilla Jönson, Michael M.F. Kaufmann, Wilhelm Klingspor and Mikael Larsson as well as the employee representatives Helén Gustavsson and Kjell Olsson (with deputies Kurt Lindvall and Tobias Söderholm).

The new Board of Directors has at its statutory meeting resolved, among other things, to appoint Mikael Larsson (Chairman), Lennart Holm and Jan Homan as members of the Audit Committee. The Remuneration Committee consists of Hannu Ryöppönen (Chairman), Mia Brunell Livfors and Michael M.F. Kaufmann. Lennart Holm (Chairman) and Hannu Ryöppönen have been appointed as members of the Integration Committee, a committee formed specifically for the integration between Billerud and Korsnäs.

Senior management
The new Board of Directors has at its statutory meeting resolved Per Lindberg as President and CEO, and appointed Christer Simrén as executive vice president and COO of BillerudKorsnäs. For further information about other changes to senior management, please visit www.billerudkorsnas.com.
  

[1] Kinnevik’s owner share will amount to 25% if the dilution from Billerud's long-term incentive programs (LTIP) is included in the calculation of the number of Shares.
[2] In addition Billerud has paid SEK 2 579 million in compensation for Korsnäs’ receivable on Kinnevik of the equivalent amount, which has been settled in conjunction with completion of the Transaction.
[3] Excluding MSEK 60 in dividend received from Bergvik Skog.

  

Financial targets for BillerudKorsnäs
The Board of Directors of BillerudKorsnäs has decided today, on the following financial targets for the company:

Target
   

Description
 

Operating margin

> 10%

Over a business cycle, the operating margin should on average exceed 10%.BillerudKorsnäs operates in an industry that historically has tracked a cyclical pattern, with corresponding variations in earning capacity.

   

Return on capital employed

> 13%

Over a business cycle, the return on capital employed (ROCE) should on average exceed 13%.BillerudKorsnäs shall ensure a return corresponding to the shareholders’ return expectations while the cost for the company’s debt is covered with a margin.

   

Net debt/equity ratio

< 0.9

The net debt/equity ratio should be below 0.9.BillerudKorsnäs’ business is influenced to a large extent by the general economic climate, which means that the operating risk is considerable. Strengthening the financial position in good years is therefore essential in order to sustain the group in bad years.

   

Dividend policy

50% of net proft

Over a business cycle, the dividend should on average amount to 50% of net profit.The dividend paid to shareholders will be dependent on, among other factors, BillerudKorsnäs’ profit level, financial position and future development opportunities.

   

                               

2013 financial calendar
BillerudKorsnäs financial reporting dates during 2013 are as follows:

Year-end report for 2012                             8 February 2013
Interim report January-March 2013               23 April 2013
Interim report January-June 2013                 18 July 2013
Interim report January-September 2013        30 October 2013
Annual general meeting                               7 May 2013

Nomination committee for the annual general meeting 2013
The nomination committee for the annual general meeting 2013 in BillerudKorsnäs consists of the following members:

Mia Brunell Livfors, Investment AB Kinnevik, chairman
Michael M.F. Kaufmann, Frapag Beteiligungsholding AG
Frank Larsson, Handelsbanken fonder
Björn Franzon, Swedbank Robur fonder

The information is such that Billerud AB (publ) is obligated to publish under the Swedish Securities Market Act. Submitted for publication at 15.00 CET, 29 November 2012.


 

BillerudKorsnäs in brief
BillerudKorsnäs offers primary fibre-based packaging materials and smart solutions for the packaging needs of today and tomorrow. The overall goal is to generate profitable growth. BillerudKorsnäs has the customers in focus using high quality materials, knowledge of the whole processing chain and a global network enabling accessibility. BillerudKorsnäs has a leading position within several segments, in primary fibre-based materials for consumer packaging as well as for industrial appliances. The purpose of the company is to create value that strengthen customer brands and competitiveness, thus ensure the company’s position as the natural partner in smarter packaging. Approximately 75% of sales in BillerudKorsnäs are consumer related, Food & Beverages is the largest segment. Europe is currently the most important market to BillerudKorsnäs. The company’s annual turnover is approximately SEK 20 billion.

 

Three business areas
The Packaging Paper business area offers customers technically advanced primary fibre-based kraft and sack paper, as well as smart solutions in function, design and material choice. All grades are strong and have excellent printability and runability which contributes to increased conversion process productivity for the customers.

 

The Consumer Board business area develops and sells high-quality board made from primary fibre to several segments, including beverages and consumer goods, which demand efficient, attractive and functional packaging. The business area also offers delivery service and application expertise solutions to customers.

 

The Containerboard business area offers containerboard made from primary fibre that meets stringent demands on strength, hygiene and printing. The strong material contributes with lighter packaging resulting in lower emissions during transports. Advice on packaging optimisation helps brand owners identify the right packaging for items and logistics chains.

 

Approximately 4 400 employees
On 30 September 2012 Billerud had 2 490 employees and Korsnäs 1 883 employees. Consequently BillerudKorsnäs has approximately 4 400 employees in total.

 

Eight production units
Paper and board production takes place at eight production units – Gävle, Gruvön, Frövi/Rockhammar, Skärblacka and Karlsborg in Sweden, Pietarsaari and Tervasaari in Finland and Beetham in the UK.

 

The total production capacity is approximately 2 900 ktonnes annually.

For further information visit: www.billerudkorsnas.com

 


For further information, please contact:
Per Lindberg, president and CEO, +46 (0)8 553 335 00
Christer Simrén, vice president and COO, +46 (0)26 15 10 00
Sophie Arnius, IRO, +46 (0)8 553 335 24, +46 (0) 70 590 80 72

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