Merger between Munksjö and Ahlstrom postponed

EU antitrust authorities have objections to the merger
Ahlstrom and Munksjö have received a Statement of Objections from the European Commission. The document issued by the EU addresses the competitive effects of the proposed combination of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing Business and Munksjö with respect to abrasive backings and pre-impregnated decor paper.

As a consequence of the negotiations with the EU Commission, Ahlstrom now expects to complete the demerger of the company's Label and Processing business in Europe and other related measures forming the first phase of the planned transaction during the second quarter of 2013 instead of the previously targeted first quarter of 2013. The demerger of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business in Brazil is still expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2013.

The EU commission opened a second phase investigation into the proposed combination in December 2012 with respect to abrasive backings and pre-impregnated décor papers. Following the investigation, the Commission will 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.