Smurfit Kappa Group has estimated that annual revenue contribution from its markets outside of Western Europe will nearly double over the next two years.

Shareholders in paper and packaging giant, Smurfit Kappa Group were told, yesterday, that the company’s strong balance sheet should allow it to continue awarding investors, following a resumption of dividend payments last year.

Irish packaging group Smurfit Kappa posted an 11% rise in full-year pre-tax profit, buoyed by strong demand and increased exposure to high-growth markets such as Mexico.

It was a positive start to December across European markets as most started the month fractionally ahead.

Dublin-headquartered paper and packaging business Smurfit Kappa Group has agreed to acquire US containerboard manufacturer Orange County Container Group for $340m (€260m) in a deal aimed at boosting its presence in Mexico.