Dublin, Ireland 23 October 2015 -- Smurfit Kappa Orange County LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Smurfit Kappa Group plc, is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire Sound Packaging LLC and Corrugated Professionals LLC, a corrugated sheet and box plant located in the rapidly growing area of Phoenix, Arizona.

The acquisition is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2015 subject to customary closing conditions.

Sound is a long-established private corrugated manufacturer, and will be integrated into SKOC's existing operating platform in the United States and the North of Mexico. This acquisition will provide SKOC with a platform to service its existing and potential customers from California to Texas, along with further integration possibilities for its containerboard mill located in Forney, Texas.

Greg Hall, CEO of SKOC, said: "We are pleased to announce our agreement to acquire Sound Packaging and Corrugated Professionals, and look forward to welcoming their teams into Smurfit Kappa. SKOC's enlarged packaging footprint in the US will further enhance our capacity to provide innovative, insight-led and value enhancing packaging solutions to both current and prospective customers"

Tyler Howland, General Manager of Sound, said: "The Sound family is excited to join the experienced leadership of Smurfit Kappa as we continue growing our capabilities and services for our loyal customers and employees."