Billerud acquires Tenova Bioplastics AB
Billerud is further strengthening its know how in renewable packaging
through the acquisition of Tenova Bioplastics AB, a Swedish innovation
company based in Norrköping that produces compostable carrier bags made
of bioplastic. Tenova's largest customer is ICA AB. The company has
sales turnover of MSEK 35 and is a market leader in its field in Sweden.
- This acquisition fits well into our long-term strategy. Billerud is a
leader in sustainable packaging solutions made of renewable raw
materials, and we are continually looking for new products and
applications that will develop our business. Bioplastic will be a good
complement to paper for renewable packaging, and in the long term the
combination of paper with barriers made of bioplastic will be a highly
attractive alternative for many different types of packaging. Tenova is
a leader in the rapidly expanding bioplastic field, which provides
Billerud with a platform for the future. The acquisition strengthens our
product offer in the consumer sector, which is less sensitive to the
economic cycle, says Per Lindberg, CEO of Billerud.
At present, bioplastic is primarily made of polylactic acid or starch
mixed with compostable polyesters. The material is biologically
degradable and compostable. If it is burnt it generates less carbon
dioxide over its lifecycle than oil-based plastic. Tenova's products
include carrier bags, waste and compost bags, and can be used as a
barrier in packaging for food and hygiene items, for example. A barrier
made of bioplastic can replace plastic or aluminium barriers in many
applications, resulting in a lower environmental impact.
- Having Billerud as a strong and long-term owner will give us the
stability and global sales organisation that we need to grow. The
company's knowledge and competence in paper and packaging will help us
develop tomorrow's packaging material together, says Magnus Jaeger,
founder and CEO of Tenova.
The purchase sum includes a fixed amount and an option for an additional
amount based on earnings development from 2009 to 2011. Tenova AB will
be consolidated within the Billerud Group as of 1 February 2009 and is
expected to contribute to a small positive effect on earnings per share
in 2009.
Stockholm 16th February 2009
Billerud AB (publ)
Per Lindberg
President and CEO
For further information please contact:
Per Lindberg, president and CEO, +46 8 553 335 01 or +46 70 248 15 17
Bertil Carlsén, CFO, +46 8 553 335 07 or +46 73 021 10 92
Patrik Bosander, Business Manager Sustainable Packaging solutions -
Bioplastics, Billerud AB, +46 8 553 335 26 or + 46 70 213 59 90
Submitted for publication at 13.45 pm on 16th February 2009
The information is such that Billerud is obligated to publish under the
Swedish Securities Exchange and Clearing Operations Act
Billerud is a packaging paper company with a business concept to supply
customers with innovative and high quality packaging paper. A consistent
concentration on attractive market segments and a strong customer focus
are cornerstones of Billerud's strategy. Billerud focuses on kraft paper
and containerboard and has a world-leading position within several
product segments. The company's production units are among the most
cost-efficient in Europe for these products.
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The following files are available for download:
http://wpy.waymaker.net/client/waymaker1/f.aspx?id=1093231&fn=wkr0003.pdf Press release Tenova