The acquisition will allow Europapier Group to gain access to an even broader range of products and increase its service level in the market. Customers can now choose from a Europe-wide product range, thus making Europapier an even more attractive one-stop-shop partner for all kinds of paper for Printing, Packaging, Office and other solutions.

“Heinzel Group’s strategy is to grow its merchant business in Eastern Europe and to expand into the emerging markets of North Africa, the Middle East, and India. PaperlinX’ market position in Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia makes a good fit with Europapier’s leading position in CEE and is supporting the Heinzel Group’s strategy in paper merchanting,” explained Mr. Alfred H. Heinzel, President and CEO of Heinzel Group. “Furthermore this strategic acquisition will enhance our geographical coverage and strengthen our existing position in these five countries.“

The agreement is still subject to approval by antitrust authorities. In the meantime there will be no changes at Europapier or local PaperlinX entities, Europapier Group and the PaperlinX companies involved will continue to act independently of each other and business will continue as usual.