SCA, a leading global hygiene and forest products company, has strengthened the cooperation with Vinda International Holdings Limited (“Vinda”) by integrating its business in South East Asia, Taiwan and South Korea into Vinda. SCA is the majority shareholder in Vinda, one of China’s largest hygiene companies.
 
As part of the transaction, SCA and Vinda have signed an agreement regarding the exclusive license to market and sell the SCA brands; TENA (incontinence products), Tork (Away-from-Home tissue), Tempo (consumer tissue), Libero (baby diapers), and Libresse (feminine care) in South East Asia, Taiwan and South Korea. With this agreement, Vinda will hold the rights to these product brands in these Asian markets. Vinda will acquire the brands Drypers, Dr.P, Sealer, Prokids, EQ Dry and Control Plus in these markets. SCA will continue to provide innovation and technical support for the business.
 
“Asia is an important growth market for SCA with a large population and low penetration of hygiene products. This transaction strengthens the collaboration between SCA and Vinda and enables us to further leverage on our strengths to build a leading Asian hygiene business,” says Magnus Groth, president and CEO of SCA.
 
SCA has been a shareholder in Vinda since 2007, became its majority shareholder in late 2013, and has consolidated Vinda financials since the first quarter of 2014. In 2014, SCA divested its hygiene business in China (Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau) for integration with Vinda.
 
SCA’s hygiene business in South East Asia, Taiwan and South Korea had net sales of approximately SEK 2.2 billion ($259 million) in 2014. The business has approximately 1600 employees and three personal care production sites in Malaysia and Taiwan. The purchase consideration amounts to HKD 2.8 billion (approx. SEK 3.1 billion/$365 million) on a debt-free basis.
 
The agreement is subject to approval by the independent shareholders of Vinda. Closing of the transaction is expected during the first quarter of 2016. Vinda is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
 
As a consequence of this transaction SCA’s Shanghai office will discontinue operations. This is expected to lead to approximately SEK 90 million ($10.6 million) in restructuring costs that will be recognized as an item affecting comparability in the fourth quarter of 2015.