International Paper weighs London listing and bids for EMEA unit

International Paper Co on Thursday said it was evaluating bid approaches for its European, Middle East & Africa business as it also weighs listing the business on the London and New York stock exchanges.

In January, the Memphis, Tennessee-based pulp and paper company announced that its EMEA packaging business was expected to be separated by way of a spin off. On Wednesday, it confirmed that the spin off was expected to be effected through a listing of the business on the London Stock Exchange with a Level II ADR program to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

On Thursday, International Paper said it was also evaluating unsolicited inbound enquiries in relation to packaging business, and is in discussion with potential bidders. Talks are at an early stage it said.

The spin off and potential sale are being evaluated in parallel, it said.

International Paper will host a 'DS Smith - Capital Markets Day on November 3.

The EMEA Packaging business will include legacy International Paper and DS Smith assets. International Paper bought former London-listed DS Smith at an enterprise value of £7.8 billion back in 2024.

Shares in International Paper were up 7.6% at USD34.32 in New York on Thursday. They had earlier closed up 7.1% at 2,580.00 pence each in London.

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