International Paper explores possible EMEA packaging business sale

International Paper is assessing unsolicited approaches for its EMEA Packaging Business and has entered discussions with potential bidders, while continuing preparations for the planned spin-off of the business.

The company said the sale process remained at an early stage. There was no certainty that a transaction would be agreed or completed, and neither the timing nor the final structure of the business separation had been settled.

The proposed spin-off is expected to involve a London Stock Exchange listing, alongside a Level II American Depositary Receipt programme listed on the New York Stock Exchange. International Paper is pursuing this route and evaluating a possible sale in parallel.

The statement followed movements in International Paper’s share price and media speculation about a potential disposal. It adds a possible sale route to the separation plan previously outlined by the company.

As part of the spin-off preparations, International Paper plans to hold a “DS Smith – Capital Markets Day” on 3 November 2026.

International Paper supplies corrugated packaging to customers across a range of industries. The company cautioned that the separation options remain subject to uncertainty, including whether either a sale or spin-off can be completed and whether the anticipated benefits can be achieved.