DS Smith rejects Cristian Lay's offer for Valls and Montblanc plants

The packaging firm deems the financial proposal too low and moves forward with the definitive closure of both sites.

Generic image of an industrial packaging plant in a rural setting.
IA

Generic image of an industrial packaging plant in a rural setting.

The company DS Smith-International Paper has officially declined the purchase offer from Cristian Lay group for its industrial plants in Valls and Montblanc.

The packaging giant decided to reject the deal after concluding that the financial terms were significantly below their expectations. This move effectively ends the possibility of a corporate rescue for the facilities located in the Alt Camp and Conca de Barberà regions.

"It was a very low offer. The company had other expectations and decided not to accept the conditions."

DS Smith-International Paper · Management
The decision directly impacts 167 workers who now face the definitive shutdown of the factories. Labor unions from both locations are currently negotiating the terms of the closure with the company, a process that had been paused last week to evaluate the now-rejected acquisition proposal.
Union representative Albert Queral expressed deep concern over the news, emphasizing that the loss of these jobs will have a severe impact on local families. Workers are now considering their next steps as the negotiation for the final closure continues.