WestRock Co (NYSE: WRK) is reportedly nearing a merger with Europe's Smurfit Kappa Group (OTC: SMFKY), a move set to create a global paper and packaging giant valued at around $20 billion.
This potential merger comes as both companies face challenges amid weakening demand and declining prices in the containerboard market, used for making corrugated shipping boxes and industrial packaging, along with a challenging outlook for the global paper industry.
It reflects a broader trend of fading pandemic-driven demand. After the Wall Street Journal published its Full story available on Benzinga.com