Why did the European Commission pause its review of the UPM-Sappi paper joint venture?

The European Commission paused its review because UPM and Sappi failed to provide, within the prescribed deadline, an important piece of information requested for the competition assessment. As stated by a Commission spokesperson, 'the clock' in merger investigations can be suspended when parties do not timely submit critical requested information, and the probe will resume only once that information is submitted.

What were the European Commission's main competition concerns regarding the UPM-Sappi deal?

In April, the Commission flagged concerns that the deal could reduce competition and push up prices in Europe, specifically noting that both UPM and Sappi are major suppliers of coated mechanical paper (CM) and wood-free coated (WFC) paper in the region.

EU regulators pause probe into $1.65 billion UPM-Sappi deal, await data

Jun 4, 2026

EU antitrust regulators paused their review of the €1.42 billion UPM-Sappi paper joint venture pending additional information, extending the decision deadline beyond October 26. The Commission previously flagged concerns regarding competition in Europe's coated paper markets.

reuters

2026-06-04

EU regulators pause probe into $1.65 billion UPM-Sappi deal, await data

EU regulators pause probe into $1.65 billion UPM-Sappi deal, await data

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