The divestment is a part of Metso’s strategy to focus on its core businesses – pulp and paper technology, rock and minerals processing and process automation. The memorandum of understanding about the divestment was signed in November 2002.

Metso’s Converting group comprises four business units, which are located in England and Italy. The Converting Group has been operating with the product names Atlas, General, Titan and Rotomec. In 2002, the net sales of the group were Euro160m, and it has approximately 800 employees.

Bobst Group is the world’s leading supplier of products and services for the folding carton, corrugated board and flexible packaging industries. A wide range of products is manufactured in various countries and marketed through a dedicated sales and service network in more than 50 countries. Bobst Group is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange.

Metso Corporation is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems, as well as know-how and aftermarket services. The corporation’s core businesses are fiber and paper technology (Metso Paper), rock and mineral processing (Metso Minerals) and automation and control technology (Metso Automation). In 2002, the net sales of Metso Corporation were Euro4.7bn and the personnel totalled approximately 28,500. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.

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