One Equity Partners wraps up sale of Walki Group to Oji Holdings Corporation

One Equity Partners (OEP) has officially announced the completion of its sale of Walki Group Oy, a prominent pan-European supplier of sustainable and high-performance packaging and engineered materials, to Oji Holdings Corporation, a leading Japanese paper products technology company. This transaction marks a significant shift in ownership for a key player in the sustainable packaging sector.

During OEP’s ownership, which began with its acquisition in July 2018, Walki Group saw substantial growth and transformation. Marc Lindhorst, Partner at One Equity Partners, praised the firm’s strategic approach, noting, “We partnered with company management to help drive significant growth during our ownership. We were able to help the Company execute transformational acquisitions which strengthened Walki’s market position, incorporated sustainable solutions, broadened product offerings, and contributed to a comprehensive value chain for flexible packaging solutions.”

Walki, founded in 1930 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, has become a leader in the packaging industry under OEP’s guidance. The company’s operations span across 17 production facilities worldwide and it employs over 1,700 people. Walki’s expertise encompasses consumer and industrial packaging, including food and specialty consumer products, and engineered materials like insulation and fire-retardant facings.

The CEO of Walki, Leif Frilund, highlighted the importance of OEP’s support in the company’s expansion and sustainability efforts. “OEP’s expertise has been instrumental in the company’s ability to grow organically and through transformational M&A, while maintaining a focus on environmental sustainability. OEP was key in preparing Walki for its next chapter under Oji Group,” said Frilund.

Under OEP’s stewardship, Walki achieved a 125% revenue growth and expanded its sustainability initiatives. This includes the development of alternative materials and the acquisition of Plasbel Plásticos in 2021, which enhanced Walki’s capabilities in recycled and compostable packaging. These moves align with the company’s strategy to reduce environmental impact while still supporting growth and market expansion.

With the acquisition now complete, Walki Group is poised to continue its trajectory of innovation and market leadership under the new ownership of Oji Group. This transition is expected to leverage both companies’ strengths in technology and sustainability, driving forward the development of new and innovative packaging solutions.

The sale of Walki Group not only reflects the dynamic nature of the global packaging industry but also highlights the increasing importance of sustainable practices in manufacturing and business operations worldwide.

This deal is a testament to the successful growth strategies implemented by One Equity Partners and the potential for further innovation and market expansion under Oji Holdings Corporation.

This acquisition is a significant development in the global packaging market, showcasing a robust model for growth and sustainability in business. As Walki begins its new chapter with Oji Holdings, the industry watches eagerly to see how this partnership will continue to evolve and influence the global market for sustainable packaging solutions.