Chinese companies may acquire stakes in Russia's Lambumiz packaging manufacturer

MOSCOW. Jan 13 (Interfax) - Major Chinese aseptic packaging manufacturers are showing interest in Russian companies producing cardboard food packaging, with the most likely Russian partner being Lambumiz , a leading dairy packaging manufacturer, with potential acquisition of a 25% stake, industry sources told Interfax.

According to one source, several of China's largest aseptic packaging manufacturers are interested in potential equity stakes in Russian cardboard food packaging manufacturers. "Apparently, the search for direct investment options is a consequence of the potential tightening of customs barriers and increased duties on imported finished packaging from foreign manufacturers," the source said.

According to another source, the most active interest is in Lambumiz, the leader in non-aseptic cardboard packaging in Russia. The interest could also be explained by Lambumiz's current major investment project to launch an aseptic packaging line.

According to the source, the deal could involve acquiring a 25% stake in PJSC Lambumiz, valuing the company at 7-9 billion rubles.

Lambumiz has confirmed interest from potential Chinese partners. "We are currently gathering information and developing negotiating positions. It is clear that the interest is largely driven by our market position and consistent efforts to implement our investment program to enter the aseptic packaging market," Nikita Demidov, head of IR at PJSC Lambumiz, said.

Lambumiz's history traces back to the Moslambumiz plant, founded in 1972, which produced the famous pyramid-shaped milk packaging.

PJSC Lambumiz held an IPO on the Moscow Exchange, raising 0.8 billion rubles, in October 2024. Investors were offered additional shares at 425 rubles per share. The primary purpose of the fundraising was to implement the company's development strategy, including the construction of an additional production complex with an area of over 14,000 square meters.

The company produced 968.7 tonnes of laminated cardboard in 2024, a 1.7-fold increase compared to 2023. Gable Top packaging production totaled over 406.6 million units in 2024, a 13.5% rise compared to 358.4 million units in 2023. Disposable cardboard products were produced at 37.6 million units, a 5.1% increase.

The company boosted revenue 7.1% year-on-year to 2.75 billion rubles in 2024.

Alexander Abalakov is the company's beneficiary.