Antalis to Acquire Xerox’s EMEA Paper Business

Antalis is set to acquire the remainder of Xerox’s paper business in the EMEA region, becoming the sole distributor of Xerox-branded papers in these areas. This significant business move comes as Xerox continues to exit its paper operations globally.

Previously, in 2013, Antalis acquired Xerox’s Western Europe paper business. The new agreement extends to 40 countries, including Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Africa, India, and the Middle East. Antalis will hold exclusive marketing and distribution rights for Xerox’s digital printing media and office papers.

Since 2020, global distributor Antalis has been part of the ¥644 billion (£3.52 billion) turnover Japanese conglomerate, KPP Group. Antalis CEO Hervé Poncin stated, “While our strategy remains to develop in fast-growing countries and high-potential markets such as packaging, we have always affirmed the need to participate in the consolidation of the papers distribution business. It is essential for us to maintain strong positions in our markets and to improve the profitability of our office paper activities.”

A binding agreement between the parties has been signed, subject to the usual closing conditions and approval by competition authorities in some countries involved. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Earlier this year, Xerox announced a new operating model and organizational structure under its ‘Reinvention’ plans. A Xerox spokesperson commented, “As part of Xerox’s continued Reinvention, we are simplifying our business to better reflect the needs of our clients and the continued evolution of the workplace. We can confirm that Xerox has sold its European, African, and Indian paper business assets to Antalis, which will become the sole Xerox branded paper distributor in EMEA.”

Xerox’s exit from the paper business is not new. The company sold its North American paper operations to Domtar in 2013, although its Latin American paper business remains under Xerox’s control. In response to the recent transaction with Antalis, Xerox expressed gratitude to its employees transitioning to Antalis, emphasizing anticipation for “collaborative, continued success.”