Tredegar: Brazil’s SG-CADE recomends rejection of Terphane transaction with Oben

As previously announced, on September 1, Tredega entered into a definitive agreement to sell its flexible packaging films or Terphane business to Oben Group. Completion of the sale is contingent upon the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of certain competition filing approvals by authorities in Brazil. Tredegar announced that, as part of the Brazilian merger review process regarding the sale of Terphane to Oben Group, the General Superintendence of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense or SG-CADE issued a non-binding opinion or SG Opinion, recommending the rejection of the transaction. Following this first stage of the two-stage Brazilian merger review process for complex transactions, the case will now be submitted to the CADE Tribunal, in accordance with the customary Brazilian merger review process. Once the case is submitted to the Tribunal, the parties are given a full opportunity to present evidence in favor of clearing the transaction. The SG Opinion is not binding and the final decision regarding the transaction will eventually be rendered by the Tribunal, which will begin its independent analysis now. John Steitz, Tredegar’s president and chief executive officer, said, “We remain confident that the sale of Terphane to Oben Group will be a positive development for the flexible packaging films market in Brazil. Tredegar has been fully cooperative with SG-CADE and will continue to cooperate with the CADE Tribunal to address any concerns. During the Tribunal’s review, Tredegar and Oben will detail their views on the market, its dynamics and the positive effects that would result from the transaction.” CADE’s maximum deadline for completing its review, analysis and delivering its final decision regarding the transaction remains no later than November 18.