Newsdetails

* European competitive position in detergent packaging strengthened
* Expansion in micro-flute packaging

Mayr-Melnhof Packaging has acquired the German packaging plant Schilling GmbH & Co KG in Heilbronn. The acquisition is subject to approval by the German competition authorities. The company was privately owned. No further details will be released regarding the purchase price. The facility primarily manufactures packaging for multinational detergent producers and specializes in the plastic coating of cartonboard as well as in micro-flute products. The company annually converts more than 10,000 tons of cartonboard. Sales totaled approximately EUR 23 million in the previous fiscal year. Through this acquisition, MMP strengthens its competitive position as a European supplier of detergent packaging and attains a micro-flute production facility in the core market, Germany.

In addition to cartonboard and containerboard, offset printed micro-flute has established itself as an important packaging material and is principally used for the packaging of household, telecom and entertainment electronic products as well as for displays. Demand has been increasing by 5-7 % on a yearly basis. Mayr-Melnhof Packaging will therefore focus more intensively on this market segment. In addition to the purchase of the Schilling facility, investments at existing facilities have also been carried out in order to provide micro-flute products on a European-wide production basis (Germany, Great Britain, Austria, Poland, Romania).

For further information please contact: Stephan Werba, Investor Relations; Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG, Brahmsplatz 6, A-1041 Vienna Tel.: +43/ 1 50136 1180, Fax. +43/ 1 50136 1195 E-mail: investor.relations@mm-karton.com  Website: http://www.mayr-melnhof.com