Sofidel will acquire four facilities across Arizona and South Carolina, specifically one paper mill in Gila Bend (AZ), two converting facilities in Phoenix (AZ), and one converting facility in Duncan (SC).
April 10, 2025 - Sofidel announced its entry into a Stalking Horse Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) to acquire certain assets of Royal Interco, LLC ("Royal Paper").
Based in Phoenix, Arizona (USA), Royal Paper is a privately owned, fully integrated manufacturer of retail branded and private label high-quality bath tissue, paper towels, facial tissue and napkins.
Pursuant to the terms of the asset purchase agreement, Sofidel will acquire four facilities across Arizona and South Carolina, specifically one paper mill in Gila Bend (AZ), two converting facilities in Phoenix (AZ), and one converting facility in Duncan (SC). The Gila Bend paper mill alone represents an annual production capacity of approximately 61,000 metric tons.
Pursuant to the terms of the asset purchase agreement, Sofidel will make employment offers to a significant portion of Royal Paper's skilled employees. Sofidel is committed to integrating such employees seamlessly into its operations, ensuring continuity and stability.
On April 8, 2025, Royal Paper (and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries) filed voluntary petitions to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Through the chapter 11 proceeding, Royal Paper is conducting an auction process for the sale of these assets pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code.
Sofidel and Royal Paper have reached agreement on a "stalking horse bid", subject to higher and better offers and bankruptcy court approval, as well as other customary closing conditions, including the receipt of any required regulatory approvals.
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is serving as legal counsel and Lazard is serving as sole financial advisor to Sofidel.
The Sofidel Group, headquartered in Porcari (Lucca, Italy), is one of the leading manufacturers of tissue paper. Established in 1966, the Group is active in 12 European countries and the U.S. with over 9,000 employees and a production capacity of 1,852,000 metric tons per year (these numbers also include the acquisition of ST Paper and Clearwater Paper's tissue operations in the U.S. in 2024).
SOURCE: Sofidel