Danzer Finalized Divestiture of African Activities

Danzer sold its remaining shares in Interholco AG (IHC).

Baar, Switzerland, August 2024. Danzer, a hardwood specialist focusing on products made of wood species from the Northern Hemisphere, has sold its remaining shares in Interholco AG (IHC). IHC, a former wholly owned subsidiary of Danzer, manages one of the largest PAFC and FSC-certified forests on the African continent in the Republic of Congo. The shares were sold to Forset Group AG, based in Baar, Switzerland.

Forset Group has been a minority shareholder since January 2021, holding a 30% stake. Danzer sought a competent and responsible investor for its African business so that Danzer can focus entirely on its Northern Hemisphere hardwood operations. Forset Group aims to become the largest and most modern operator of sustainable tropical hardwood forests, emphasizing forest-based carbon sequestration through reduced impact logging, biomass valorization, and reforestation initiatives.

“We had time to work together with Forset Group in the last four years. Based on our experience, we are confident that we have found the right partners to continue what we have built. They will ensure the continuation of our strategy to sustainably manage and preserve tropical forests for the benefit of the climate, biodiversity, and the local population,” commented Hans-Joachim Danzer, CEO of Danzer. “We look forward to seeing the continued success and development of IHC under Forset Group’s leadership, while we at Danzer concentrate on expanding and further innovating our hardwood operations in the Northern Hemisphere.”

This strategic divestiture aligns with Danzer’s long-term vision to innovate and lead in sustainable hardwood in the Northern Hemisphere. The company now operates four plants in the U.S. and two in Europe and continues to invest in advanced technologies and sustainable practices to meet the growing demand for high-quality, responsibly sourced hardwood products. Danzer remains committed to its core values of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability.