(from the left) Martin Krengel, CEO of the WEPA Group, Marc Miribel, President and CEO of MPH1865 and Andreas Krengel, Chief Commercial Officer of the WEPA Group.
Jan. 22, 2026 - The WEPA Group today announced its intention to acquire a majority of the shares of MPH1865, a French manufacturer of professional tissue paper as well as non-woven wipes, soaps, and hand hygiene solutions for the away-from-home sector.
According to WEPA, the planned acquisition represents a long-term oriented step for both companies since joint forces will lead to international growth and a strengthened market position in the French away from home market. Both WEPA and MPH1865 are family businesses and place great emphasis on operational excellence, local production, employee engagement, customer focus and sustainability.
"By joining forces with MPH1865 we will create additional value for our national and international customers — broader expertise and more innovative product solutions," said Andreas Krengel, Chief Commercial Officer of the WEPA Group. "This step will allow us to serve our markets with greater proximity, agility and reliability."
MPH1865's industrial site network will be fully maintained and further strengthened and all current employees will continue to be employed.
Marc Miribel will remain President of the business with its headquarters in South France.
Closing of the proposed acquisition is subject to obtaining all necessary approvals, including merger control.
Founded in 1865, MPH1865 is a French family-owned company that produces paper wiping products and hygiene solutions for professionals. Based in Ardèche and Drôme, the company operates modern, fully integrated industrial facilities (papermaking, converting, soap production, logistics), employs around 260 people, and produces up to 60,000 tonnes of paper per year.
The WEPA Group is one of the three largest hygiene paper manufacturers in Europe. Headquartered in Arnsberg, Germany, WEPA employs around 4,300 people at 14 locations in Europe. The company produces hygiene paper for private, public and commercial sectors -- from toilet paper and paper towels to handkerchiefs and napkins.
SOURCE: WEPA Group