Condat: Three Takeover Bids; New Deadline Set for February 13, Final Decision Expected by the End of February

Condat: Three Takeover Bids; New Deadline Set for February 13, Final Decision Expected by the End of February

According to the local press, three candidates remain in the running to take over the Condat plant (Lecta Group). They presented their bids yesterday, February 4, to the Bordeaux Commercial Court. These are the Société de Participation de la Braye (SPB, the only one to submit a complete proposal), the Czech company Finesta, and Condat Papers, a subsidiary of the Scic (Société Coopérative d’Intérêt Collectif – Cooperative Society of Collective Interest) supported by the CGT union. SPB's offer envisions the industrial conversion of the site but would initially retain only about 20 of the 202 current employees. Specializing in the energy sector, Finesta would like to continue paper production (and possibly restart PM4) and develop waste recovery using the boiler. Condat Papers has also requested an extension to refine its offer.

ABB introduces Automation Extended: enabling industrial innovation with continuity

ABB introduces Automation Extended: enabling industrial innovation with continuity

ABB has introduced its Automation Extended program, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems (DCS), designed to help industries modernize without disruption. Building on ABB’s long-standing leadership with the world’s largest DCS installed base and vision in process automation, Automation Extended outlines how future automation capabilities can be introduced progressively – preserving system integrity while enabling the flexibility, scalability and efficiency needed for the next era of industrial operations.

PARIS PACKAGING WEEK, FEDRIGONI special papers showcases a curated selection of special fine papers and sustainable material solutions

PARIS PACKAGING WEEK, FEDRIGONI special papers showcases a curated selection of special fine papers and sustainable material solutions

Fedrigoni Special Papers will be present at Paris Packaging Week (5 - 6 February 2026, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles – Pavilion 1, Booth Q100) to present the latest developments across its premium packaging portfolio. The stand will highlight key product ranges, including Carte à Parfum, the collection designed for the fragrance industry; Freelife, a wide range of uncoated papers and boards with recycled content; and Bagassa, made from residual fibres of sugar cane processing. Solutions dedicated to shopping bag applications will also be presented, alongside other materials and services supporting luxury brands in combining creativity, performance and sustainability.

Lessebo Paper : Increased availability of Scandia 2000 in Sweden, Norway and Denmark through collaboration with Kalmar Kuvert

Lessebo Paper : Increased availability of Scandia 2000 in Sweden, Norway and Denmark through collaboration with Kalmar Kuvert

Lessebo Paper is entering into a collaboration with Kalmar Kuvert that enables customers in Sweden, Norway and Denmark to order the uncoated premium paper Scandia 2000 in smaller volumes. From 15 January 2026, the paper will be available via Kalmar Kuvert in pack orders and quantities up to a full pallet, complementing Lessebo Paper’s direct sales of larger volumes and project-based orders.

Japan’s Oji Holdings makes strategic investment in Finnish biomaterials deep tech company Nordic Bioproducts Group

Japan’s Oji Holdings makes strategic investment in Finnish biomaterials deep tech company Nordic Bioproducts Group

Nordic Bioproducts Group (NBG), a Finnish biomaterials company originating from Aalto University, has secured a strategic minority investment from Japan’s Oji Holdings Corporation, one of the world’s leading forest-based materials groups. The investment gives Oji a 20% stake in Nordic Bioproducts Group and establishes a long-term partnership focused on industrial collaboration, technology deployment, and global market development.

Internal succession at Klingele - Andreas Niethammer to assume CFO role from Steffen Gehring

Internal succession at Klingele - Andreas Niethammer to assume CFO role from Steffen Gehring

The Klingele Group, producer of corrugated base papers and corrugated and solid board packaging solutions, is setting a clear course for the future. Effective January 1, 2026, Andreas Niethammer will take over the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from Steffen Gehring, who will continue to support the Group as Treasurer under a phased retirement arrangement until the end of 2026.