International Paper in talks with bidders for EMEA packaging unit while preparing spin-off
International Paper is in talks with potential bidders after unsolicited approaches for its EMEA packaging business, the former DS Smith operations, while it continues to prepare a spin-off of the unit. The spin-off, first announced on 29 January 2026, is planned as a London Stock Exchange listing with a Level II ADR programme on the New York Stock Exchange. The company says the sale process is at an early stage with no certainty of a deal, and it will hold a capital markets day on the separation on 3 November 2026.
Why this mattersA trade sale would put the former DS Smith corrugated network under a new owner rather than float it as a standalone company, changing the competitive map in European corrugated.
- International Paper said on 15 October 2026 it is in discussions with potential bidders following unsolicited approaches for its EMEA packaging business.
- The company said the sale process is at an early stage and there is no certainty any transaction will be completed.
- International Paper is pursuing the spin-off and a possible sale at the same time.
- The spin-off, first announced on 29 January 2026, is planned via a London Stock Exchange listing with a Level II ADR programme in New York.
- A DS Smith capital markets day on the separation is scheduled for 3 November 2026.
- The statement followed recent movement in the share price and press speculation about a sale.
- Lone Star and Atlas Holdings are named by the Financial Times as private equity firms considering bids for the EMEA packaging unit.
- The business is valued at under USD 6bn.
- International Paper's share price rose 3 percent following the report.