DS Smith Plc, U.K., this week announced completion of the acquisition by the company and its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, DS Smith Holdings Inc., of 80% of the shares of common stock in the capital of Indevco Management Resources Inc. from Merpas Co. S.à r.l.

 

Together with the 52,474,156 new ordinary shares allotted to Merpas, which have now been admitted to listing on the premium listing segment of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities, DS Smith has paid $835 million (approximately £642 million1) in respect of cash consideration and repayment of IRI Group’s financial indebtedness. 

Miles Roberts, group chief executive, said that "we are delighted to complete the acquisition of Interstate. The response from employees and customers has been excellent and trading at Interstate in the calendar year to date is fully in line with our expectations at the time of the acquisition, which supports our confidence in this business. We look forward to working with all Interstate stakeholders and building a successful business in North America, as part of DS Smith’s overall growth strategy."

 

Neemat Frem, INDEVCO Group CEO, added that "with DS Smith, we believe the opportunities created will take Interstate to its full potential. The values and expertise of our two groups ensure that our loyal and prospective customers receive the best service from Interstate. I extend my personal gratitude to the Interstate team for their continuous dedication and service, and I trust they will always deliver beyond expectation."