Mets-Serla is changing its name to M-real, effectively uniting the operations of Mets-Serla, MoDo Paper, Biberist and UK Paper.


"We wanted to unify the company under one name, and make it distinctive and memorable," said vice president of corporate communications Rauno Heinonen.


"The company has been somewhat disconnected from the brand names in the past, and we want the new name to be reflected in the packaging."


The board of directors will propose the name change at the AGM on 2 April. If approved, the change will take effect from 6 April.


The name change will affect UK Papers New Thames mill at Sittingbourne, which will be re-named M-real New Thames.


The companies website addresses will also all come under one domain name.


But the groups merchanting operations will not be affected by the change because "we wanted to keep them at arms length from the mother company as they stock other companys products," said Heinonen.


Zanders is unaffected, because Mets does not have 100% control, as is Mets-Tissue.


Mets-Serla has applied to take control of the remaining shares in Zanders (PrintWeek, 16 March). Once approved, an assessment will be made as to whether it becomes part of M-real.


It hopes to complete the integration of MoDo Paper, which it bought last year, by the end of this year.


Story by Andy Scott