Weekly

Sonoco to Sell Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging Business to Toppan for $1.8 Billion

18 December 2024

Sonoco Products Company today announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging business ("TFP") to TOPPAN Holdings Inc. for approximately $1.8 billion on a cash-free and debt-free basis and subject to customary adjustments.

The transaction, which reflects the completion of the previously announced strategic review of Sonoco's TFP business, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first half of 2025.

Net proceeds from the transaction are expected to be used to repay existing debt.

"The decision to sell our TFP business accelerates our portfolio simplification strategy, streamlines our organizational structure, and enables more focused capital investments in our remaining industrial paper and consumer packaging businesses," said Howard Coker, Sonoco's President and Chief Executive Officer. "TFP is a great business with leadership positions in its served markets.

"We greatly value TFP's tenured history as part of the Sonoco family, and I am personally proud of their long-standing commitment to serve our customers with both innovative and high quality packaging products. We will work closely with Toppan to ensure a successful transition for our employees, customers, and suppliers and wish the entire team all the best in the future."

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as lead financial advisor to Sonoco. RBC Capital Markets, LLC is also acting as financial advisor to Sonoco. Freshfields LLP is acting as Sonoco's legal advisor. Houlihan Lokey is acting as lead financial advisor to Toppan. Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd. is also acting as financial advisor to Toppan. Morrison & Foerster LLP is acting as Toppan's legal advisor.

With net sales of approximately $6.8 billion in 2023, Sonoco has approximately 22,000 employees working in more than 300 operations around the world.

Source: Paperage