Antalis was informed of the signing of an option agreement on 31 March by Kokusai Pulp and Paper Co (KPP) - a paper distributor in Japan, Asia and Australia - to purchase all the shares held by Sequana, Antalis’ majority shareholder, representing 75.2% of the share capital and 82.5% of the voting rights.
Antalis was also informed that KPP and Bpifrance Participations signed a share purchase agreement on 31 March pursuant to which KPP would purchase all the shares held by Bpifrance Participations, representing 8.5% of the share capital and voting rights of Antalis, subject only to the transfer of the shares held by Sequana to KPP.
KPP has sales of approximately 3.2bn Euro and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Antalis’ board of directors has welcomed the planned combination with KPP, marking the successful conclusion of Antalis’ search for a new shareholding structure aimed at supporting the implementation of its strategic plan. CEO Hervé Poncin said: “Antalis, its management and employees are very pleased with this combination with KPP which will allow it to open a new chapter in its international evolution. It will provide Antalis with the necessary means to support its development and strengthen its market position.”