Billerud acquires Tenova Bioplastics AB

Billerud acquires Tenova Bioplastics AB                                

Billerud is further strengthening its know how in renewable packaging through
the acquisition of Tenova Bioplastics AB, a Swedish innovation company based in
Norrköping that produces compostable carrier bags made of bioplastic. Tenova's
largest customer is ICA AB. The company has sales turnover of MSEK 35 and is a
market leader in its field in Sweden.

- This acquisition fits well into our long-term strategy. Billerud is a leader
in sustainable packaging solutions made of renewable raw materials, and we are
continually looking for new products and applications that will develop our
business. Bioplastic will be a good complement to paper for renewable packaging,
and in the long term the combination of paper with barriers made of bioplastic
will be a highly attractive alternative for many different types of packaging.
Tenova is a leader in the rapidly expanding bioplastic field, which provides
Billerud with a platform for the future. The acquisition strengthens our product
offer in the consumer sector, which is less sensitive to the economic cycle,
says Per Lindberg, CEO of Billerud.

At present, bioplastic is primarily made of polylactic acid or starch mixed with
compostable polyesters. The material is biologically degradable and compostable.
If it is burnt it generates less carbon dioxide over its lifecycle than
oil-based plastic. Tenova's products include carrier bags, waste and compost
bags, and can be used as a barrier in packaging for food and hygiene items, for
example. A barrier made of bioplastic can replace plastic or aluminium barriers
in many applications, resulting in a lower environmental impact.

- Having Billerud as a strong and long-term owner will give us the stability and
global sales organisation that we need to grow. The company's knowledge and
competence in paper and packaging will help us develop tomorrow's packaging
material together, says Magnus Jaeger, founder and CEO of Tenova.

The purchase sum includes a fixed amount and an option for an additional amount
based on earnings development from 2009 to 2011. Tenova AB will be consolidated
within the Billerud Group as of 1 February 2009 and is expected to contribute to
a small positive effect on earnings per share in 2009.


Stockholm 16th February 2009
Billerud AB (publ)


Per Lindberg
President and CEO

For further information please contact:
Per Lindberg, president and CEO, +46 8 553 335 01 or +46 70 248 15 17
Bertil Carlsén, CFO, +46 8 553 335 07 or +46 73 021 10 92
Patrik Bosander, Business Manager Sustainable Packaging solutions - Bioplastics,
Billerud AB, +46 8 553 335 26 or + 46 70 213 59 90

Submitted for publication at 13.45 pm on 16th February 2009
The information is such that Billerud is obligated to publish under the Swedish
Securities Exchange and Clearing Operations Act 


Billerud is a packaging paper company with a business concept to supply
customers with innovative and high quality packaging paper. A consistent
concentration on attractive market segments and a strong customer focus are
cornerstones of Billerud's strategy. Billerud focuses on kraft paper and
containerboard and has a world-leading position within several product segments.
The company's production units are among the most cost-efficient in Europe for
these products.