Smurfit Westrock has completed the acquisition of Cartomanabí, a leading Ecuadorian packaging and paper producer, to strengthen its presence in Latin America’s growing packaging market. The move marks a targeted expansion into a key regional hub with established production and distribution capabilities.
- Smurfit Westrock acquired Cartomanabí, Ecuador’s major corrugated packaging producer
- Cartomanabí operates three facilities with 230,000 metric tons annual production capacity
- Deal estimated at $150M–$175M, based on 10.5x EBITDA multiple
- Contributes $180M in annual revenue and strengthens Smurfit Westrock’s Latin American presence
- Integration expected by Q3 2026 with minimal customer disruption
- Supports regional sustainability goals with focus on recycled fiber use
Smurfit Westrock has finalized the acquisition of Cartomanabí, a vertically integrated paper and packaging manufacturer headquartered in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The transaction includes full ownership of Cartomanabí’s three production facilities, which collectively operate at a combined annual capacity of approximately 230,000 metric tons of corrugated board and packaging solutions. The facilities serve major domestic food, beverage, and agricultural exporters, reinforcing Smurfit Westrock’s regional supply chain footprint. The acquisition expands Smurfit Westrock’s footprint in Latin America, where it now operates in 15 countries. Cartomanabí’s operations contribute an estimated $180 million in annual revenue, with a strong focus on sustainable packaging and local market responsiveness. The integration is expected to be completed by Q3 2026, with minimal disruption to existing customer contracts. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but industry analysts estimate the purchase price to be in the range of $150 million to $175 million, reflecting a premium on Cartomanabí’s EBITDA multiple of 10.5x. The deal is consistent with Smurfit Westrock’s strategy to grow organically and through selective acquisitions in high-growth emerging markets, particularly in Central and South America. The move underscores increasing investor interest in Latin American industrial infrastructure and sustainable packaging. The acquisition may indirectly influence commodity markets, as increased demand for paperboard and recycled fiber could affect regional supply dynamics. While the transaction does not significantly alter global indices such as XLE or CL=F, it could contribute to localized shifts in paper and packaging supply chains across the Andean region.