MeadWestvaco, RockTenn announce name change

MeadWestVaco Corp. and Rock-Tenn Co. have announced that following their merger, the combined company will operate as WestRock Co. The company will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WRK.

Steve Voorhees, who will serve as CEO of the merged company, says, "WestRock draws on the strongest elements from each of our legacy names. The name speaks to our determination to build on the long track record of success and growth that has been established by both companies. WestRock's aspiration is to be the premier partner and unrivaled provider of winning paper and packaging solutions for our customers."

WestRock will operate approximately 300 facilities in 30 countries and employ 42,000 people.

The merger was announced Jan. 26, 2015. The companies have received antitrust approval in the United States and are awaiting other regulatory and shareholder approvals that they say are expected in the month of June.

A spokeswoman for RockTenn says the new name will go into effect at the end of the second quarter.