The WEPA Group, one of the three largest manufacturers of hygiene paper in Europe, has announced the successful closing of the acquisition of a majority stake in MPH1865, a leading French manufacturer of hygiene paper and soap in the Away-from-Home sector. The newly acquired entity will operate under the name “WEPA Professional France”.
Marc Miribel will remain President of the company. Together with his executive management team, he will foster continued growth and manage the integration process. All existing MPH1865 industrial sites will be retained, and local production in France will continue and be further strengthened in a targeted manner. Following the acquisition, WEPA will operate four production sites in France and employ around 1,000 people there. The 260 employees of MPH1865 will be completely integrated into the WEPA Group.
“With MPH1865, we are strengthening our international presence in the European Away-from-Home market and systematically expanding our position with the Satino brand. Our aim is to provide even better service to our customers across Europe with high-performance, sustainable hygiene solutions,” said Andreas Krengel, Chief Commercial Officer of the WEPA Group.
Martin Krengel, CEO of the WEPA Group: “We are delighted that this acquisition will further strengthen WEPA’s position in Europe, and in France in particular. Through the synergies generated by this merger and the consistent implementation of our sustainability strategy, we will create additional value for our stakeholders, particularly our customers.”
Marc Miribel stated: “In WEPA, we have found a partner that, like MPH1865, is family-run and attaches great importance to operational excellence, employee commitment, customer focus, and sustainability. As part of the WEPA Group, we believe we are excellently positioned for the future and look forward to contributing to WEPA's continued growth.”
The acquisition represents a long-term oriented step for both companies and will strengthen their combined market position in France. Customers and partners will benefit from an expanded professional hygiene portfolio and consistently high standards in quality, service and sustainability. The WEPA Professional portfolio will be complemented by a broad range of soaps and disinfectants, as well as non woven wipes and personal protective equipment produced and sold by WEPA Professional France.
About MPH1865
Founded in 1865, the French family business MPH1865 has become one of the national leaders in hygiene paper and hygiene solutions in the Away-from-Home sector. Based in Ardèche and Drôme, the company operates modern, fully integrated industrial facilities (papermaking, converting, soap production and logistics), employs around 260 people, and produces up to 60,000 tonnes of paper per year.
About WEPA
The WEPA Group is one of the three largest hygiene paper manufacturers in Europe. Following its merger with MPH1865, the family business, headquartered in Arnsberg, Germany, now employs more than 4,500 people across 15 European locations.
