Smurfit Kappa, WestRock merger takes effect

The merger between two major paper and packaging industry players, Dublin-based Smurfit Kappa and Atlanta-based WestRock, has officially taken effect as the newly formed company—Smurfit Westrock—made its debut on the New York and London stock exchanges Monday.

The merger first was announced in September 2023 and, less than a year later, the companies have combined to create an industry giant after WestRock shareholders approved the deal last month.

Smurfit Westrock now operates in 40 countries with more than 100,000 employees, providing a “unique and unrivaled” ability to give its customers “the most diverse, innovative and sustainable” range of renewable and recyclable packaging.

“Combining Smurfit Kappa and WestRock creates a world-leading sustainable packaging player, bringing together a tremendous depth of experience and expertise from both companies,” Smurfit Westrock CEO Tony Smurfit says. “We believe this combination has created the ‘go-to’ leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging.”

Smurfit Kappa shareholders own approximately 50.4 percent of the entity and WestRock shareholders hold the remaining 49.6 percent.

For the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, Smurfit Kappa Group reported $2.9 billion in revenue, while WestRock reported $4.73 billion in net sales for the same period.

“The shareholders of both Smurfit Kappa and WestRock have overwhelmingly supported our combination,” Smurfit Westrock Chief Financial Officer Ken Bowles says. “Smurfit Westrock has a unique geographic footprint, and through our industry-leading applications, an unparalleled ability to provide value for our customers.”