Potential Bidding War Brewing in Paper and Packaging Industry

A potential bidding war is brewing in the paper and packaging industry as International Paper gears up to launch a counterbid for DS Smith in response to an agreed offer from Mondi. If International Paper proceeds, it is expected to include a significant stock-based component, setting the stage for a multibillion-pound transatlantic bidding war. The exact value of International Paper’s potential offer remains unclear, but industry bankers suggest it could be pitched at north of 400p-a-share and potentially around 420p-a-share.