Stora Enso to Spin Off Swedish Forest Assets into Public Company by 2027

Stora Enso has announced a strategic move to separate its Swedish forest assets into a new publicly listed company, with the separation expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. This decision marks a significant shift in the company's approach to unlocking value from its natural resources. Alongside this, Stora Enso is conducting a strategic review of its sawmill operations in Central Europe, highlighting a broader reassessment of its business portfolio in the region.

CEO Hans Sohlström emphasized the rationale behind the spin-off, stating that the goal is to maximize business potential and shareholder value. While he refrained from speculating on the market valuation of the forest operations post-spin-off, he noted, "It is up to the market to decide," and described the timeline for the spin-off as rapid, reflecting the company’s decisive action.

The board's decision reflects a strategic effort to streamline operations and sharpen the company’s focus. By establishing the Swedish forest assets as an independent, publicly traded entity, Stora Enso aims to provide clearer market visibility and potentially unlock more value specific to these assets. The simultaneous review of sawmill operations suggests a comprehensive evaluation of how best to position Stora Enso's European industrial operations moving forward.

As preparations proceed, stakeholders await further details on how this restructuring will impact Stora Enso’s overall strategy and market presence. The move underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to adapt to changing markets and optimize its asset portfolio.