European Commission raises concern over UPM and Sappi Joint Venture

Oct 14, 2026 | Industry News

Screenshot 2026 10 14 112328 European Commission raises concern over UPM and Sappi Joint Venture

UPM and Sappi are currently in the process of formally analysing and responding to the Letter of Facts

The European Commission has issued a Letter of Facts raising competition concerns over UPM and Sappi’s proposed graphic paper Joint Venture as the companies move to finalise the deal.

The response from the European Commission means that the graphic paper merger between UPM and Sappi faces the risk of being blocked, with the Commission concerned about reduced competition and price hikes.

The Joint Venture, which was launched in response to demand and cost issues within the paper market, would see UPM Communication Papers and Sappi’s graphic paper business combine with a 50/50 agreement and operate as an independent company.

The two companies announced the planned Joint Venture in 2025 and signed the definitive agreement on the transaction in May 2026, the merger control approvals have been approved by most jurisdiction, including China, South Africa and the US.

After receiving the Letter of Facts, UPM has released a statement saying “the proposed Joint Venture would support the long-term competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the European graphic paper industry.”

The demand for graphic paper in Europe has more than halved over the past two decades due to digitalisation and is projected to decline further in the coming years.

UPM states that the “proposed Joint Venture represents a rational response to these market realities” and would provide an orderly adjustment of industry capacity while maintaining customer supply and generating efficiencies.

UPM continued stating that without the Joint Venture, the “continued market decline and overcapacity would make it increasingly difficult to maintain a competitive and reliable European supply base.”

The European Commission’s final decision is expected around the end-of-the-year.