Mondi Plc, a packaging and paper group based in the United Kingdom and linked to Saki Macozoma, a prominent South African businessman and current chair of Vodacom South Africa, has announced its withdrawal from the £5-billion ($6.2 billion) bid to acquire DS Smith, a UK-based paper, packaging, and recycling company.
Mondi’s audit and nominations committee, led by Saki Macozoma, achieved a preliminary agreement on the financial conditions of an all-share bid for DS Smith. However, following the successful bid by US company International Paper, Mondi has chosen to terminate its quest.
In a press statement, Mondi claimed that after conducting due diligence and carefully considering the value that a merger with DS Smith would provide to its shareholders, the board concluded that the transaction would not be in their best interests. As a result, Mondi does not plan to make a bid for DS Smith.
Mondi’s board of directors is confident in the company’s portfolio of sustainable packaging and paper products, as well as its scale, cost advantages, and high-quality assets. It thinks that, along with its organic investment pipeline, the firm is well-positioned to achieve long-term structural growth in its markets, resulting in high cash generation, attractive returns, and sustainable value accretive growth for shareholders.
Mondi Plc, founded in 1967, operates in 30 countries and employs over 21,000 people. The corporation has around 100 production facilities, particularly in Europe, Russia, North America, and South Africa. Its dual listing on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges demonstrates its global reach.Saki Macozoma owns a minority share of 0.00010 percent in Mondi.
Mondi’s recent announcement to terminate its pursuit of DS Smith caused a rise in its stock price. The stock price increased by almost 6% this week, reaching £15.0257 ($18.6) at time of writing. This corresponds into a market capitalization of £6.62 billion ($8.2 billion).
Mondi’s decision to drop its bid for DS Smith represents a watershed moment in the packaging and paper industry, possibly changing the landscape for mergers and acquisitions. The company now appears to be strategically focusing on exploiting its existing strengths and identifying chances for long-term growth in its core areas.
