Laufenberg purchases release paper business from Huhtamaki

B. Laufenberg GmbH and Huhtamaki Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG have signed an agreement for the purchase of the release paper business of Huhtamaki by Laufenberg. The transaction will take place on the basis of an asset deal. The assets will be transferred in the course of a transition process of several months.

Huhtamaki Group is a global manufacturer of consumer and specialty packaging with net sales of EUR 2.3 billion in 2008. The release paper business was part of Huhtamaki Group’s Film Global business segment and included the manufacture of siliconized papers for technical applications used in different industries (i.e. labels, tapes, packaging). Huhtamaki will continue the production of release films.

Laufenberg has produced siliconized papers and films for 50 years. Today the company employs a staff of more than 180 people and is one of the leading commercial silicon coaters for technical applications.

When Laufenberg learnt about Huhtamaki’s intention to sell the business, negotiations quickly started. ‘The close match as well as the useful supplement of product range and market segments of both companies have quickly awaken our interest in this acquisition,’ said Jrg Soding, one of three managing directors of B. Laufenberg GmbH.

During recent years, the market for release liners has consolidated strongly. Production capacity was moved towards large corporations as many smaller businesses were closed or sold. ‘This trend is regarded as a threat to the customers. Especially in stagnating markets large corporations take decisions about product range and business segments fast and often without considering customers’ concerns. Privately owned companies offer a higher degree of continuation and security. This is appreciated by our customers a lot,’ explained Gernot Becker, managing director for Sales and Logistics.

With this acquisition, Laufenberg is increasing its sales volume by more than 40 percent. This growth will enable Laufenberg to expand and strengthen its international market position in the release liner market.