Yesterday, it was confirmed that Antalis had acquired the key Arjowiggins creative papers brand portfolio, including Conqueror, Curious Collection, Keaykolour, Pop’Set and Rives.

The merchanting group said the move demonstrated its commitment to continue offering a range of premium fine papers to printers, brand owners and creative agencies.

Xavier Jouvet, papers director at Antalis Group, said the business was happy to be able to provide a long-term future “for these iconic brands”.

“We are already working on relaunching these brands with the support of best-in-class suppliers for a renewed assortment with a focus on quality and service levels,” he stated. 

Jouvet said that Antalis had also acquired the vast majority of the remaining finished goods of the brands. 

“This additional stock, on top of the current inventory we already have in our warehouses, should allow us to respond to most of our customer demand in the coming months until the transition to new sourcing in Q1 2023.”

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Interpath Advisory's Alistair McAlinden, joint administrator of the Arjowiggins companies, said: “We are pleased to have concluded this transaction which safeguards the future of this portfolio of premium fine papers.”

Antalis was acquired by Japan’s KPP Group in 2020.

In countries where Antalis or other KPP Group distribution companies are not directly present, it plans to continue supplying the former Arjowiggins brands through distribution partners.

The Antalis premium range also includes its own exclusive Olin brand of offset papers.