Dublin-based Smurfit Kappa in merger talks with US firm WestRock

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Dublin-centered packaging corporation Smurfit Kappa intends to unite with a company based in the United States.

The agreement with WestRock has the potential to generate a revenue of $34 billion (£27 billion).

If finished, the company's main office would continue to be located in the Republic of Ireland.

It could be included in the stock market of New York City.

BBC News Northern Ireland's editor specializing in economics and business matters

One of the biggest businesses in Ireland, Smurfit Kappa, is intending to join forces with a company from the United States.

Smurfit mentioned that forming an agreement with WestRock would result in the establishment of a company generating $34 billion (£27 billion) in revenue each year.

Smurfit is a renowned global producer of paper and cardboard packaging, holding a notable position in the industry.

The main office of the company is situated in Dublin and has a workforce of approximately 47,000 individuals spread across its various international activities.

WestRock ranks as the runner-up among the largest packaging corporations in the United States.

Smurfit mentioned that the governing bodies of the two companies are "engaged in talks about the fundamental aspects of a possible merger".

In the event that the agreement is finalized, the merged company, Smurfit WestRock, would be publicly traded on the New York stock exchange and have its headquarters situated in Ireland.

Smurfit traces back its origins to the 1930s in Dublin, when entrepreneur Jefferson Smurfit was called upon to rejuvenate a modest manufacturing enterprise belonging to his relatives.

The most recent significant growth occurred in 2005 when Smurfit joined forces with Kappa Packaging, a company based in the Netherlands.