History and acquisitions
Westrock was formed in May 2015 after the merger of MeadWestvaco and Rock Tenn.[4] MeadWestvaco stockholders received 0.78 shares of the combined company. Rock-Tenn stockholders chose either one share of the combined company or a specific cash amount for each of their shares.[7]
In October 2015, WestRock purchased SP Fiber Holdings, Inc.[8] The company manufactures recycled container board as well as kraft and bag paper.[9] In January 2016, the company acquired Cenveo Packaging for $105 million which manufactures folded cartons and litho-laminated display packaging like MiraFoil, coil foil, and low migration ink systems.[10] The sale included facilities located in the United States, Canada, and Dominican Republic.
In March 2017 WestRock purchased Star Pizza Box, the largest US manufacturer and distributor of pizza boxes.[11]
In April 2017, WestRock completed the sale of its dispensing systems operations for $1.025 billion to Silgan Holdings.[12]
In June 2017, the company acquired Multi Packaging Solutions International (MPS) for an enterprise value of $2.28 billion. MPS has 59 locations across North America, Europe, and Asia and will enhance Westrock's print, graphics, and design capabilities for more penetration in spirits, confectionery, beauty and cosmetics packaging.[13]
In January 2018, the company acquired Plymouth Packaging, Inc.[14] Later that month, WestRock announced that it would acquire rival pulp and paper company Kapstone. The deal closed in November of 2018.[15][16] The company ranked 194th on the 2018 Fortune 500 of the largest United States corporations by revenue.[17]
In September 2023, the company was reported to be in advanced merger talks with Smurfit Kappa to combine operations and form a "combined packaging group [with] adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of $5.5bn."[18]
In September 2023, it was announced WestRock had completed the sale of its subsidiary, RTS Packaging to the Hartsville, South Carolina-headquartered packaging company, Sonoco for $330 million.[19]
In September 2023, it was announced WestRock and the Dublin, Ireland-headquartered corrugated packaging company, Smurfit Kappa had agreed to merge, to create Smurfit Westrock, one of the world's largest paper and packaging producers.[20]
