PRESS RELEASE

 

 

For Iimmediate Rrelease

 

 

Media Contact: Betty Lapinski

Press release to converting industry organizations and publications (attached list)

Draft #64 – June 1926, 2006

630 734 2700

betty.lapinski@loparex.com

 

 

Loparex Group Acquires the Douglas-Hanson Company

 

Willowbrook, IL (June 27, 2006) -- Loparex Group, the world’s leader in the manufacture of release coated papers and films, is pleased to announce that it has has agreed to acquiredd the Douglas-Hanson Company of Hammond, WI, USA. Douglas-Hanson, established in 1973, manufactures silicone-coated release papers and films, and extrudes polycoated papers for the packaging industry. Following this acquisition Effective (date TBD), 2006, tThe Douglas-Hanson facility will operate under the name Loparex Inc. whose headquarters are in Willowbrook, IL, USA.

 

According to Penti Kallio, President and CEO of Loparex Group, “As a result of this acquisition, two successful release liner companies with distinct complementary capabilities and expertise will blend together to become an even stronger supplier in the manufacture and delivery of release liner products. This merger will enable Loparex to more effectively meet the continuing challenges of providing its customers with quality release liner products and services.”

 

In the third quarter of 2005, Loparex Group was acquired by ABN AMRO Capital. At that time, Johan Bjurstrom, Executive DirectorManaging Partner for the Nordic operation of ABN AMRO Capital, stated that ABN AMRO was attracted by the strong capabilities and global presence of the Loparex Group, and was prepared to support the Company in its continuing growth and development. The announcement today of the acquisition of the Douglas-Hanson Company is evidence of ABN AMRO Capital’s continued commitment to strengthening Loparex’ position and accelerating growth of both revenue and earnings. Sampo Bank was the lead arranger for the provided the senior debt financing for the Q3, 2005, transaction as well as for this transaction.

 

Total funds under management by ABN AMRO Capital are EUR 2.7____ billion. In 2005, ABN AMRO completed 13_____ buy-outs with an aggregate value of EUR _____2.6 billion (and an aggregate equity investment by ABN AMRO Capital of EUR 431 634 million) as well as _____ 12 exits with total proceeds of approximately EUR 480_____ million.

In 2006, ABN AMRO Capital has so far completed 6 European buy-outs, with an aggregate deal value of c. EUR 630 million, and realised 5 exits.

 

Loparex Group is the leading supplier in the global release liner market. It has strong positions in the Americas and Europe, and a growing share in Asia Pacific with operations in China and India. The Company offers the widest range of available technologies and concentrates on developing high quality release liners for the graphic arts, label, medical, hygiene, tape, industrial and composites segments.

 

Inquires: