Sofidel finalises the acquisition of the tissue division of Clearwater Paper Corporation and becomes the fourth largest tissue paper producer in North America. This transaction worth $1.06 billion, Sofidel Group increases its production capacity by 25% (340,000 metric tons per year) and improves its geographic coverage in the United States, creating the conditions to meet additional demand and grow further.
Sofidel, a global leading manufacturer of paper for hygienic and household use, known particularly in Italy and Europe for its Regina brand, has finalized the acquisition of the tissue division of Clearwater Paper Corporation (“CLW Tissue”).
The agreement had been announced last July 22. All regulatory approvals have been obtained.
The transaction, the largest carried out in the Group’s history, represents a strategic step in Sofidel’s journey. Thanks to the acquisition of four production plants – Shelby (North Carolina), Lewiston (Idaho), Las Vegas (Nevada) and Elwood (Illinois) – and the integration of about 1,700 employees, Sofidel increases its production capacity by 25% (340,000 metric tons per year), expands its commercial offerings (two out of the six paper mill machines acquired are TAD – Through Air Drying machines, a technology widely used in the United States, particularly in the kitchen towel segment), and optimizes its geographic coverage.
“This transaction makes Sofidel the fourth largest tissue paper manufacturer in North America, and strengthens its leadership in the Private Label sector, a market that is growing further. A step that brings the goal of having equivalent revenues on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean much closer. A crucial acquisition for the future of Sofidel as a whole”, said Luigi Lazzareschi, Sofidel CEO.
“Today marks the completion of the largest acquisition in our Group’s history, a goal we have envisioned for years. We can proudly say that we were ready to seize the opportunity when it arose”, said Edilio Stefani, Sofidel Chairman.
Meanwhile, Sofidel is pursuing other consolidation and development plans in the North American market. It is doing so at the Circleville (Ohio) plant, where it is working on increasing paper mill capacity by 50%, and at the Duluth (Minnesota) plant, which will be equipped with converting lines and a new automated warehouse.
Sofidel Group
The Sofidel Group, headquartered in Porcari (Lucca, Italy), is one of the leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and household use worldwide. Established in 1966, the Group is active in 13 countries, 12 in Europe and the United States (11 States), with over 8,500 employees and a production capacity of 1,850,000 metric tons per year (these numbers also include the acquisition of ST Paper and CLW Tissue in 2024). In 2023, the Group had net sales of 3,129 million Euros (2023). “Regina”, its most well-known brand, is present on almost all the reference markets. Other brands include: Sopalin, Le Trèfle, Hakle, Softis, Nalys, Cosynel, KittenSoft, Nicky and Papernet. Sofidel is committed to reaching Net-Zero carbon emissions by the end of 2050. www.sofidel.com
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