INDUSTRY / NEWS 6 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2023 - Issue 342 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Global pulp and paper-based solutions company, Sappi, has announced that its agreement to sell three of its European graphic paper mills to investment group Aurelius has failed. Sappi intended to sell its Maastricht Mill in the Netherlands, its Stockstadt Mill in Germany, and its Kirkniemi Mill in Finland, however, the sale has passed the agreed timeframe meaning the agreement has lapsed. Steve Binnie, chief executive officer of Sappi, comments: “Regretfully, and despite extensive efforts by Sappi to close the transaction the parties could not agree on fulfilling the suspensive conditions. Therefore, the transaction has lapsed.” Speaking about the company’s future, Binnie adds: “Sappi’s strategic focus remains unchanged. This includes reducing exposure to the graphic paper segment while expanding Sappi’s presence in segments including packaging and speciality papers, pulp, and biomaterials.” Sappi announced it had accepted an offer from Aurelius Group in September 2022, after receiving binding offers from several parties. The paper solutions company proceeded with Aurelius, a pan-European multi-asset manager group with offices in Germany and the UK. When announced the enterprise value of the sale amounted to approximately €272m (£240m) which would be used to reduce debts and increase Sappi’s focus on specific growth areas. The three mills produce a variety of pulp, coated, and uncoated woodfree paper, paperboard, and coated mechanical paper grades which are used throughout the globe. Marco Eikelenboom, chief executive officer of Sappi Europe, states: “Sappi Europe will continue to manage the three mills as part of our overall portfolio.” Sappi mill sale falls through Sappi accepted an offer from Aurelius which was subject to various standard suspensive conditions The recent Next Generation Networking Day held at The British Motor Museum has been celebrated by attendees, speakers, and sponsors for its commitment to supporting and encouraging young people in the print and signage industries. Including a presentation from The Apprentice winner Mark Wright, and workshops from industry professionals like Colin Sinclair McDermott, the event was filled with inspirational lessons, crucial networking tips, and handy resources for 18- to 30-year-olds. FESPA UK held the event after forming its Next Generation initiative at the start of the year. Jay Burfield, creative coordinator at FESPA UK, says: “Whilst planning the event and speaking to a huge number of companies about getting their team to attend, it became very clear that there are two major issues the industry faces that directly affect the younger generation. “The first is the severe lack of 18- to 30-year-olds within the print and signage industry. Secondly, the lack of willingness by business leaders to encourage their younger employees to network outside their companies.” FESPA UK has stated that more in-person and online events will be announced in the coming months. Former Apprentice winner Mark Wright gave a presentation on being successful in business Next Generation event hailed a success Each year Easter proves a busy time for printers with many working round the clock to produce seasonal projects whilst offering a range of promotions. Duplo International took to social media to showcase its decorative and personalised Easter boxes filled with chocolate treats for colleagues to enjoy over the long Easter weekend. The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), meanwhile, used the holiday to give a fun twist on its upcoming Big Breakfast event. Banbury Litho highlighted its 2023 Easter Boxes which are a packaging solution from paper company G.F Smith. The boxes which featured ‘Matrix’ embossing were made with Pink and Turquoise Colorflute and white e-flute, and were 100% recyclable. To share in the festivities digital print company Where The Trade Buys (WTTB) hosted an Easter sale on its website, giving customers in the trade 25% discount on a variety of items. Printers embrace the Easter holiday WTTB highlighted a range of products that were perfect for the Easter season printIQ launches V46 MIS There are over 30 new features and updates to the Version 46 MIS software Launched in March, the ‘Version 46’ MIS software from printIQ has over 30 new features and updates. According to printIQ, automated workflow is a prominent focus for customers and as a result, the MIS provider has produced a package that enables this with automation, connectivity, and visibility all key features. New to V46 is a ‘Sign Off’ app which allows iPhone or Android phone users to upload all information directly to a job bag, and review, check, and sign off large-format print and signage jobs from anywhere, anytime. Other features include an outsource portal for greater control when ordering from suppliers; an IQ Link which enables customers to collaborate with other IQ users; and advanced functionality with Infigo for live pricing and stock control. By David Osgar By David Osgar
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