RockTenn/MeadWestvaco Deal Highlights Robust January M&A Activity

Paper and packaging industry giant MeadWestvaco appears to be at the end of its life as an independent entity. The company agreed to a merger with RockTenn to form a yet-to-be-named successor company. RockTenn’s expertise in kraft paper, corrugated cartons and retail displays will combine with MeadWestvaco’s strengths in paperboard and folding cartons. The result will be a powerful player in the increasingly global packaging industry, with over $15 billion in annual revenues.

In apparent preparation for the deal with RockTenn, earlier in the month MeadWestvaco announced the spinoff of its chemical business into a separate public company.