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.”