Ahlstrom has received a binding offer from Munksjö for its Abrasives business unit, the company announced on July 7.
The offer includes Ahlstrom’s share of the Arches plant in France, currently co-operated by both firms, as well as the full scope of Abrasives operations and personnel.
The proposed transaction supports Ahlstrom’s strategic focus on sustainable fiber-based specialty materials. The company described the offer as a potential milestone in its ongoing transformation journey.
The Abrasives unit produces paper backings for industrial applications, including latex-impregnated paper and heavy-weight grades for abrasive materials. Ahlstrom said the divestment would allow it to concentrate more fully on its core specialty materials business, while providing Munksjö with complementary capabilities in its decorative paper portfolio.
Munksjö, a former part of the Ahlstrom business and current co-operator of the Arches site, is seen as a good operational and cultural match for the unit.
The deal remains subject to consultation with employee representatives, regulatory review, and customary closing conditions. If finalized, the transaction is expected to close in the coming months. Ahlstrom said it would ensure business continuity throughout the transition.
Ahlstrom is a global producer of fiber-based specialty materials, with business divisions in filtration and life sciences, food and packaging, protective materials, and performance materials. In 2024, it reported EUR 3.0 billion in net sales and employed approximately 7,000 people worldwide.
