EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation into the proposed combination of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business and Munksjö AB
Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE December 7, 2012 at 18.10
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The Competition Directorate-General of the EU Commission has completed the first phase of its investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the transaction between Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business and Munksjö AB and opened an in-depth (second phase) investigation into the proposed combination with respect to abrasive backings and pre-impregnated decor paper. The Commission now has 90 working days, until April 29, 2013, to take a final decision on whether the combination would significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.
Ahlstrom and Munksjö AB continue to work closely with the Commission in order to allow the Commission to complete its review as quickly as possible, aiming at a completion of the demerger of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business in Europe and other related measures forming the first phase of the planned transaction during the first quarter of 2013. It is, however, possible that the completion of the first phase of the planned transaction will not take place until the second quarter of 2013.
On November 27, 2012, Ahlstrom's Extraordinary General Meeting approved the demerger concerning Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business in Europe and the demerger concerning Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business in Brazil in accordance with the demerger plans.
For more information, please contact:
Liisa Nyyssönen
Vice President, Communications
Tel. +358 10 888 4757
Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a high performance fiber-based materials company, partnering with leading businesses around the world to help them stay ahead. Our products are used in a large variety of everyday applications, such as filters, medical gowns and drapes, wallcoverings, flooring, and food packaging. We have a leading market position in the businesses in which we operate. Our 5,200 employees serve customers in 28 countries on six continents. In 2011, Ahlstrom's pro forma net sales amounted to EUR 1 billion. The company's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. More information is available at www.ahlstrom.com.
Disclaimer
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This document is not an offer for sale of securities in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Ahlstrom Corporation, Munksjö AB and Munksjö Corporation have not registered, and do not intend to register, any offering of the Munksjö shares in the United States. There will be no public offering of the Munksjö shares in the United States.
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