Smurfit Kappa acquires Brazil packaging plant

Smurfit Kappa has announced the purchase of Saquarema, Brazil-based packaging plant PaperBox, expanding its operational footprint in that country where it currently operates in three other states: Mina Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul and Ceará.

The Dublin-based paper packaging provider says the deal, which is subject to the approval of regulatory bodies, is expected to close at the end of October. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are proud to expand our footprint in Brazil to meet the growing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging,” says Laurent Sellier, CEO of Smurfit Kappa in the Americas. “This acquisition will broaden and strengthen our presence in the country, improve our production capabilities and enable us to continue to create new opportunities and form new partnerships with customers.”

According to Smurfit Kappa, Brazil is the largest corrugated cardboard market in Latin America, and the southeast region where PaperBox is located (approximately 43 miles east of Rio de Janeiro), totals 46 percent of the volume.

“Smurfit Kappa believes in Brazil and in the opportunities to deliver growth by continuing to add value to our customers’ business,” says Manual Alcalá, CEO of Smurfit Kappa in Brazil. “PaperBox has a distinguished history in the region and a special commitment to all stakeholders. This is a legacy that Smurfit Kappa will build upon.”