Antalis has signed a binding agreement to acquire OptiGroup’s Papyrus paper distribution activities across ten European countries.
Global paper, packaging, and visual communication distributor Antalis has entered into a binding agreement to acquire the Papyrus paper distribution activities of OptiGroup across Central and Eastern Europe, Germany, and Switzerland. Part of the KPP Group, the French-headquartered merchant will significantly expand its commercial logistics network across ten European countries upon formal completion.
The acquisition encompasses Papyrus trading operations in Germany, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Generating approximately €215m in net sales during FY2025, the acquired business units employ 255 personnel, serve more than 13,000 commercial printing and corporate clients, and manage an inventory assortment of 21,000 SKUs of printing and office papers supported by an operational network of 12 regional distribution warehouses.
Chief Executive Officer at Antalis, Hervé Poncin, commented, “We are pleased to welcome the team of Papyrus Central and Eastern Europe to Antalis. This acquisition is an important step in strengthening our presence and distribution capabilities across these regions. The combination of our respective customer bases, teams and logistics networks will enable us to further develop our offering and provide even stronger support to our customers in the region.”
President and Chief Executive Officer at OptiGroup, Niklas Berntsson, added, “Following a strategic review of our business, we have decided to sell our Papers distribution activities in these markets to Antalis. We believe Antalis is well positioned to continue developing the business and to provide continuity for our customers.”
Subject to customary closing conditions and antitrust clearance from European competition authorities, all trading entities will remain completely independent until the transaction closes. Integrating the additional logistics infrastructure, warehousing facilities, and established customer accounts will solidify Antalis’ position as a leading European business-to-business distributor across commercial print, publishing, and office paper markets.