Flexibles Fly High, Aim Higher

Two behemoth deals poised to close later in 2000—Alcoa's purchase of Reynolds Metals, and the three-way blend of Alcan, Lawson Mardon, and Pechiney—confirm M&As' continuing appeal. FPA reports further that of the 55 percent of converters planning some type of expansion in 2000, 35 percent are leaning toward a domestic merger. A greater number, 59 percent, plan to expand an existing domestic plant, while 35 percent anticipate building a new domestic plant.