One Equity Partners has announced a definitive agreement to sell Walki Holding Oy. The pan-European provider of sustainable packaging solutions and technical materials will be acquired by Oji Holdings Corporation, a Japanese technology company for paper products.
Walki was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. The company is a manufacturer of sustainable packaging materials for industrial and consumer goods, as well as technical materials such as fire-retardant panelling, membranes and protective clothing. The company has 17 production sites worldwide and employs more than 1,700 people.
The acquisition of Walki by OEP was completed in July 2018.
„We have actively worked with management to drive growth opportunities in the end markets for packaging and technical materials, while supporting the development of manufacturing methods with low environmental impact.“
Marc Lindhorst, Managing Director of One Equity Partners
During OEP's ownership, Walki experienced 125 per cent growth in sales and made significant investments in long-term environmental sustainability. These investments included the significant Expansion of the plant in Valkeakoski (Finland) and the development of alternative materials and production methods in order to offer customers the most suitable packaging solution with the lowest environmental impact.
Walki has made seven acquisitions during its time with OEP, including that of Plasbel Plásticos in 2021, to advance expertise in the production of recycled and compostable packaging.
Source: Walki
