Denmark's Hartmann to Acquire Moulded Fibre Egg and Fruit Packaging Producer Mohan Fibre in India

Mohan Fibre is India’s largest and leading manufacturer of quality egg and fruit packaging. The company operates a factory near the city of Chandigarh, which is located around 250 kilometres north of New Delhi.

Feb. 13, 2020 (Press Release) - Brødrene Hartmann A/S ("Hartmann") has entered into an agreement with the shareholders of Mohan Fibre Products Pvt. Ltd. (“Mohan Fibre”) for the acquisition of the company, which sells moulded-fibre packaging to egg and apple producers in India with a particular focus on the northern states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana.

The purchase price is DKK 119 million (approx. USD 17.2 million), corresponding to an EBITDA multiple of around 9. The transaction will strengthen Hartmann’s earnings per share (EPS) immediately after the acquisition, which is expected to be completed by mid-2020 conditional on a formal authority approval of Hartmann as a buyer.

Profitable business in an attractive market

Mohan Fibre operates a factory near the city of Chandigarh, which is located around 250 kilometres north of New Delhi. In 2019, Mohan Fibre is expected to generate revenue around DKK 75 million and EBITDA around DKK 13 million based on current exchange rates.

Mohan Fibre is India’s largest and leading manufacturer of quality egg and fruit packaging. The transaction establishes a solid platform for Hartmann in the attractive Indian market, which is characterised by a favourable demographic development and increasing egg and fruit production. The combination of population growth and rising urbanisation in the coming years forms a solid foundation for continued development of the retail industry and increasing demand for quality egg packaging. In addition, the penetration of moulded-fibre packaging for protection of fruit is expected to increase as supply chains are professionalised.

"Mohan Fibre is a profitable company and will improve our earnings from day one. The acquisition marks a strategic decision to enter into the great Indian market in which we see significant growth potential,” says Torben Rosenkrantz-Theil, CEO of Hartmann.

The expansion is in line with Hartmann’s strategy ‘Think ahead’, which also entails significant investments in existing markets. In 2020, Hartmann will complete a significant capacity expansion in Europe with a particular focus on the British and Southern European markets, significantly expand the existing factory in the US and open a new factory in Brazil.

The acquisition is financed within the framework of the group’s existing credit facilities.

About Hartmann

Headquartered in Gentofte, Denmark, Hartmann is a leading manufacturer of moulded-fibre egg packaging worldwide, and a leading manufacturer of fruit packaging in South America. The company sells egg and fruit packaging to manufacturers, distributors and retail chains.