Xerox has been exiting its paper business in a number of global markets. Back in 2013 Antalis acquired the Western Europe paper business from the US-headquartered tech company.

The new deal encompasses 40 countries and spans Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Africa, India, and the Middle East.

Antalis will gain exclusive marketing and distribution rights for Xerox digital printing media and office papers.

The distributor has been part of ¥644bn (£3.52bn) turnover Japanese giant KPP Group since 2020.

Antalis CEO Hervé Poncin commented: “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,” he added.

A binding agreement has been signed between the two parties, with the deals subject to the usual closing conditions and approval by competition authorities in some of the countries involved.  

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

At the beginning of the year, Xerox announced a new operating model and organisational structure under its ‘Reinvention’ plans.

A spokesperson said: "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.

“We thank the Xerox employees who are transitioning to Antalis for their dedication throughout the years, and we look forward to our collaborative, continued success.” 

Xerox sold its North American paper business to Domtar in 2013. Its paper business in Latin America remains under Xerox control.