King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has advised the German firm Aurelius Group on the agreement with PHI Industrial for the acquisition of the commercial activities of Abelan Group in Germany and the Netherlands.

Abelan Group is a Spanish packaging company that, since 2012, has formed part of the portfolio of PHI Industrial, a Spanish fund specialising in investments in the industrial sector.

The acquired activities consist of a paper mill in Viersen, Germany, and a solid board packaging plant in Zutphen, in the Netherlands. In 2015 these activities generated revenues of approximately €50 million and had around 170 employees.

Aurelius is one of the main European investors in the mid-market. It is currently managing a portfolio of more than 20 companies located in Europe, Asia and the United States.

This transaction creates potential synergies across production, purchasing and sales with Aurelius portfolio company Solidus Solutions. Solidus is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of graphic boards and printed solid boards, with production facilities in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK. Aurelius acquired Solidus in April 2015.

Roberto Pomares, Madrid Corporate partner, said, “We are delighted to have been able to continue to support Aurelius with implementing its strategy of growing its portfolio of activities in the industrial sector. Abelan will add strength and depth to Aurelius’ operations in Europe as it looks to expand its footprint.”

The KWM team was led by Madrid Corporate partner Roberto Pomares, with senior associate Germán Cabrera and associate Gonzalo Fernández.

In the last few months, KWM has also advised Aurelius on the sale of the Spanish textile group Tavex Europe to a consortium of Spanish investors.

The transaction is due to complete in the coming weeks.