The latest raids follow yesterday's (25 May) swoops by EC investigators at a number of European offices.

US giant International Paper confirmed its offices had been visited in the US, while Stora Enso's North American division also received a subpoena for documents from the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice.

In addition, flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials producer Bemis was also visited in relation to the European investigation.

Two other companies were also visited. These were Avery Dennison and Mayr-Melnhof Karton.

Ahlstrom confirmed it had been subject to European Commission investigators, with regard to allegations of anti-competitive practices in the release liners and face stock product segments sectors.

Finnish forestry group Metslitto was also the subject of a raid, this time in relation to an investigation into co-operation between competitors in the procurement of roundwood and woodchip materials.

Story by Andy Scott