Europapier takes a participation in the packaging specialist Carl Bernh. Hoffmann GmbH in Jeging, Austria
Vienna, 5 February 2018. Last Friday, Europapier International AG, a member of the Heinzel Group, signed an agreement with Carl Bernh. Hoffmann GmbH & CO KG in Kaarst, Germany, regarding the purchase of a 38.33% participation in Carl Bernh. Hoffmann GmbH in Jeging, Upper Austria (subsequently referred to as “Hoffmann”). At the same time, Europapier International AG also acquired a 49% stake in Rinner GmbH, Hoffman’s current majority shareholder.
The agreement between the owners, Sabine and Maximilian Rinner, and Europapier foresees continued operation of the company in its current form. In addition, it represents a foundation for the creation of a packaging competence centre within the Europapier Group’s merchant operation. The present organization and executive management headed by Max Rinner will remain unaltered.
The acquisition constitutes another major step for the Europapier Group towards the further diversification of its customer and product portfolio. Hoffmann is one of the leading packaging merchants in Austria and offers customized solutions for both commercial and industrial purposes. As a result of this intensive customer focus, during recent years the company has demonstrated growth well above the industry’s average.
Europapier will act as a strong, strategic partner for Hoffmann and thus enable its further growth in Austria, as well as expansion into neighbouring CEE countries. In particular, Hoffmann now has access to the Europapier Group’s logistics network in all its markets.
The agreement with the previous Carl Bernh. Hoffmann GmbH shareholders is subject to the approval by the anti-trust authorities.
THE EUROPAPIER GROUP
Europapier is an internationally operating company group. Strategically it aims to achieve long-term, sustainable profits that are above the average in its industry. In terms of sales volume it is the most important paper merchant in CEE and a pioneer in the region’s markets. The Europapier Group employs around 1,000 people and has an annual sales volume of approximately 570,000 tonnes.
THE HEINZEL GROUP
The Heinzel Group, which is united under the Heinzel Holding umbrella, ranks with its industrial locations Zellstoff Pöls AG, Laakirchen Papier AG (both Austria), Raubling Papier GmbH (Germany) and AS Estonian Cell (Estonia) among the biggest producers of market pulp and magazine paper in Central and Eastern Europe. Since 2016, containerboard has also been part of its range.
The group’s Trading Business Area includes heinzelsales, a globally active pulp, paper and board trading company, and Europapier International AG, the leading paper merchant in Central and Eastern Europe. In addition, Bunzl & Biach GmbH is the largest and most important waste paper company in Austria and a top wholesaler in Central and Eastern Europe.
The Heinzel Group’s successful growth is based on the fulfilment of the highest customer demands with regard to quality and efficiency.
For enquiries please contact:
Helmut Limbeck
Europapier International AG
Autokaderstrasse 86-96
1210 Vienna
Tel. +43-1-277 78-1167
Fax +43-1-277 78-1046
h.limbeck@europapier.at
www.europapier.com