Graphic Packaging acquires AR Packaging. The advisors

Graphic Packaging Holding Company has reached a definitive agreement with CVC Capital Partners Fund to acquire AR Packaging Group for approximately $1.45 billion.

The Advisors

Schellenberg Wittmer is acting as legal counsel to Graphic packaging on all Swiss law aspects of the deal. The firm acted with a team led by Martin Weber (pictured) and including Elia Schunck, Stefanie Maurer and Silvana Schöb (all corporate/m&a), Céline Schmid (employment and real estate) and Philipp Groz and Sarah Leins-Zurmuehle (both IP). Also working with Graphic Packaging on this transaction is Dla Piper as legal counsel and BofA Securities as financial advisor.

As for AR Packaging, Credit Suisse International is serving as financial advisor and Roschier as legal counsel.

The deal

As per the press release issued by Graphic Packaging Holding company, the proposed acquisition of AR Packaging is expected to add $1.1 billion in annual sales and $160 million in annual Adjusted EBITDA. In addition, the combination is expected to drive total synergies of $40 million over 36 months following close. The deal is expected to be immediately accretive to the Company’s earnings per share and cash flow.

The combination enhances Graphic Packaging’s global scale, innovation capabilities, and value proposition for customers throughout Europe and bordering regions.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company is a vertically-integrated provider of sustainable fiber-based consumer packaging solutions. AR Packaging Group is a producer of fiber-based consumer packaging.