Closure of European Commission wood pulp investigation – Van Bael & Bellis advised Stora Enso
- 05/07/2023
- News
Van Bael & Bellis (VBB), with co-counsel Roschier, represented Stora Enso Oyj in connection with the European Commission (EC)’s antitrust investigation into the wood pulp sector. The EC decided to close the investigation on 15 June 2023 on the basis that, after “thorough analysis and careful assessment” of the evidence, there were insufficient grounds to continue it.
Our Brussels/London team advising Stora Enso comprised Competition Co-Head Andrzej Kmiecik, London Competition Head Alex Stratakis and Senior Associate Todor Papanov. The investigation was launched with unannounced inspections by the EC in October 2021 – the first multi-company inspections carried out at company premises by the EC after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Stora Enso confirmed at the time that it was one of the wood pulp producers whose premises were raided.
Longstanding client Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. Its shares are listed on the Helsinki and Stockholm stock exchanges, and are traded in the US as ADRs.
