Sonoco Products Company, a diversified global packaging leader, today announced the completion of its acquisition of the remaining equity interest in RTS Packaging, LLC (“RTS”) from joint venture partner WestRock and one WestRock paper mill in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The acquisition, originally announced on November 9, 2022, will further strengthen and expand Sonoco’s 100% recycled fiber-based packaging solutions to serve growing consumer wine, spirits, food, beauty and healthcare markets. Prior to closing the transaction, Sonoco was a 35% owner in the joint venture with WestRock.
With this acquisition, Sonoco adds a network of 15 operations and 1,100 employees in the U.S., Mexico, and South America. The purchase price for this acquisition was $330 million, subject to customary price adjustments. The Company funded the acquisition with borrowings under its existing credit facilities and cash on hand. After the transaction, the Company’s net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio is less than 2.9x. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share, excluding the impact of purchase accounting adjustments.
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of packaging products. With net sales of approximately $7.3 billion in 2022, the Company has approximately 22,000 employees working in more than 310 operations around the world, serving some of the world’s best-known brands.