“The deal would represent another huge consolidation step in the containerboard industry and would give International Paper almost 40% of the containerboard market,” said Deutsche Bank analyst Mark Wilde, although he added a transaction seems “very unlikely” at the current proposed price.
“We view International Paper’s bid as an ‘opening salvo’ and suspect that there will ultimately be a deal, but at a higher price,” Wilde said.
iShares S&P Global Timber & Forestry