Smurfit Kappa and WestRock Announce Transaction to Create a Global Leader in Sustainable Packaging

Highlights
*Smurfit Kappa and WestRock to combine, creating Smurfit WestRock, a global leader in sustainable packaging with unparalleled scale, quality, product and geographic diversity
*Combined last twelve months’ adjusted revenue and adjusted EBITDA as of 30 June 2023 of approximately $34 billion and $5.5 billion, respectively
*Delivers attractive returns for shareholders of both companies
*Expected to be high single digit accretive to Smurfit Kappa’s earnings per share on a pre-synergy basis and in excess of 20% including run-rate synergies by the end of first full year following completion
*Domiciled in Ireland with listing on the NYSE and standard listing on the LSE, with intention to seek U.S. equity index inclusion as soon as possible
*Disciplined and effective capital allocation expected to deliver improved operating efficiency and increased returns; committed to strong investment grade credit rating
*Smurfit WestRock will be led by Tony Smurfit as CEO and Irial Finan as Chair
*Unanimously recommended by the Boards of Directors of both companies

Following the announcement of a possible combination dated 7 September 2023 (“Possible Combination Announcement”), the Boards of Smurfit Kappa, a FTSE 100 company, and WestRock, an S&P 500 company, are pleased to announce the signing of a definitive transaction agreement (the “Agreement”) to create Smurfit WestRock, a global leader in sustainable packaging (the “Combination” or the “Transaction”).

The Boards of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock see compelling strategic, commercial and financial rationale for combining Smurfit Kappa and WestRock’s highly complementary paper-based packaging companies to create a global leader in sustainable packaging. The Combination will enhance Smurfit Kappa and WestRock’s existing offerings by creating the global “Go-To” packaging partner of choice and bringing together:
*Smurfit Kappa’s industry-leading operational execution and innovation as a European leader in corrugated and containerboard as well as its large-scale pan-regional Americas presence that delivers best-in-class performance and returns; and
*WestRock’s leadership in the United States as well as its strong footprint in Brazil and Mexico, across corrugated and consumer packaging delivering a broad portfolio of packaging solutions serving diverse, growing end-markets.

Smurfit WestRock will have unparalleled geographic and product diversity with a culturally aligned customer focus and enhanced capabilities to serve customers globally. Together, Smurfit Kappa and WestRock generated combined last twelve months’ adjusted annual revenue of approximately $34 billion as of 30 June 2023, which would make Smurfit WestRock the largest listed global packaging partner by revenue.

Terms of the Combination
The Transaction will involve the creation of a new holding company for the combined Smurfit WestRock. Smurfit WestRock will be incorporated and domiciled in Ireland with global headquarters in Dublin, Ireland and its North and South American operations will be headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Subject to shareholder approvals, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the Combination is expected to close in the second quarter of calendar year 2024.

Under the terms of the Agreement, for each share of common stock of WestRock (a “WestRock Share”) the common stockholders of WestRock will receive one new Smurfit WestRock share (a “New Share”) and $5.00 in cash.

This represents:
*Total consideration to WestRock stockholders equivalent to $43.51 per WestRock Share, based on the closing share price of Smurfit Kappa ordinary shares on 11 September 2023, being the last closing price prior to this announcement (and converted to U.S. Dollars using an exchange rate of 1.075x, being the exchange rate on 11 September 2023); and
*Combining Smurfit Kappa and WestRock on equivalent enterprise value to adjusted EBITDA multiples.

Smurfit Kappa shareholders will receive one New Share for each ordinary share in Smurfit Kappa. Immediately following completion of the Combination, Smurfit Kappa shareholders and WestRock stockholders are expected to own approximately 50.4% and 49.6% of Smurfit WestRock, respectively, based on the current number of shares outstanding of both Smurfit Kappa and WestRock as of the date of this announcement.
further details at: https://ir.westrock.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2023/Statement-re-Smurfit-Kappa-and-WestRock-Announce-Transaction-to-Create-a-Global-Leader-in-Sustainable-Packaging/default.aspx