One Equity Partners Sells Walki to Japan's Oji Group: A Win-Win for Sustainable Packaging

New York & Frankfurt, Germany - One Equity Partners (OEP) has reached an agreement to sell Walki Holding Oy (Walki), a leading pan-European supplier of sustainable packaging and engineered materials solutions, to Oji Group, a Japanese paper products technology company. This strategic move will not only benefit both companies but also contribute to the advancement of sustainable packaging solutions.

Walki, founded in 1930 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, specializes in manufacturing specialty packaging materials for consumer and industrial use. They offer a wide range of packaging solutions for food and specialty consumer products, as well as engineered materials like insulation and fire-retardant facings, sustainable membranes, and protective clothing applications. With 17 production facilities across the globe and more than 1,700 employees, Walki has established itself as a leader in the industry.

Under the ownership of OEP, Walki has experienced remarkable growth, with revenue increasing by over 125%. OEP's support has enabled Walki to invest significantly in long-term environmental sustainability, focusing on the development of alternative materials and production methods. These innovations provide customers with the flexibility to choose packaging solutions that minimize their environmental impact. Throughout OEP's ownership, Walki completed seven acquisitions, including the recent purchase of Plasbel Plásticos in 2021, which has expanded the company's capabilities in producing recycled and compostable packaging.

"We are humbled by Walki's performance under our ownership and were pleased to help the business execute on a transformative expansion strategy with sustainability at its core," said Marc Lindhorst, Managing Director at One Equity Partners. "Our collaboration with management has driven growth opportunities in the packaging and engineered materials markets, while also prioritizing environmentally friendly manufacturing methods."

This acquisition comes as a win-win for both parties involved. Oji Group, with its expertise in paper products technology, will benefit from Walki's advanced packaging materials and sustainable solutions. On the other hand, Walki will have the support and resources of Oji Group to further enhance its product offerings and expand its market reach. Together, they will continue to drive innovation and contribute to the global advancement of sustainable packaging solutions.

Leif Frilund, CEO of Walki, expressed his appreciation for OEP's partnership over the past five years. He stated, "OEP's expertise in specialty manufacturing businesses like ours has helped us execute our sustainability strategy while maintaining steady business growth. This collaboration has proven that corporate growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand."

One Equity Partners is a middle-market private equity firm that focuses on the industrial, healthcare, and technology sectors in North America and Europe. The firm's investment process and experienced team have consistently generated long-term value for its partners. With offices in New York, Chicago, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, OEP has completed over 300 transactions worldwide since its establishment in 2001.

Walki is an industry-leading advanced packaging materials specialist known for its transformative and sustainable solutions. With operations in twelve countries, Walki continuously invests in new technologies and materials to improve its products and environmental sustainability position. The company's expertise in packaging application and in-house innovation capabilities set them apart in the industry.

The partnership between Walki and Oji Group marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable packaging solutions. By combining their strengths and expertise, they are well-positioned to create a positive impact on the environment while meeting the evolving needs of consumers and industries. The future looks promising as Walki continues its journey under the umbrella of Oji Group, further solidifying their position as a leading provider of sustainable packaging materials.