For more than 60 years, RKW has committed itself to improving the daily life of consumers all over the world. Customer-focused solutions based on sustainable products are a vital part of its DNA. To tap into this vast potential, RKW has implemented a strategy focusing on core products and international growth markets, with a particular emphasis on the hygiene, packaging and agricultural sectors. In this context, RKW has decided to sell its production of embossed films and laminates for the medical industry RKW ACE S.A. (“ACE”) in Liège, Belgium.

ACE has been sold to Standard Investment, an investment company focused on the Benelux and Nordic countries. Standard Investment has acquired 100% of ACE’s shares. As of June 19, 2020, ACE operates as an independent business. The purchase price is not disclosed.

“We are convinced that ACE will remain a strong stand-alone business with great growth potential,” says Harald Biederbick, CEO of the RKW Group.

Established in 1973, ACE was among the first film producers for the hygiene and medical disposables markets. After becoming part of the RKW Group in 1999, ACE continued its business success and, today, is one of the global market leaders in its field of expertise. The company was an early member of EDANA, the global trade association for the nonwovens industry.

“RKW will cooperate with ACE during a limited transition period. This allows ACE to continue its journey, while at the same time enabling RKW to focus on its strategic markets and industries,” says Biederbick.

“We enthusiastically welcome ACE into the SI family,” says Hendrik Jan ten Have, partner at Standard Investment. “Together with their management, we will actively support ACE’s journey towards becoming a more flexible organization focused on innovation and sustainability.”

Utilizing cast film extrusion technology, ACE manufactures cast embossed polyolefin films, laminates of film to nonwoven, and apertured films for the medical and hygiene sectors. ACE’s business mission is to continue to excel in the manufacture of film and laminate products, offering its customers consistent high quality, service and innovation. In the fiscal year 2019, ACE generated sales of €30 million. The company employs a staff of 80 and, under its new ownership, continues to be led by Guy Pinchard, Patricia Featherstone and Régis Lamoline.