TEXAS (From news reports) -- In an SEC filing this week, Kimberly-Clark shed more light on its previously announced agreement with Suzano S.A. to form a global joint combining its International Family Care and Professional business with Suzano's tissue assets. The deal will create a $3.4 billion global consumer and professional tissue products manufacturer.
Under the structure of the deal , Suzano will acquire a 51% interest in the new entity for approximately $1.7 billion dollars in cash, while K-C will retain a 49% equity stake. K-C's IFP business will be treated as discontinued operations in its financial statements. The joint venture will own Kimberly-Clark's non-U.S. consumer tissue and professional operations, which includes 9000 employees and 22 manufacturing facilities across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South and Central America, Africa, and Oceania, and will operate more than 40 regional brands plus licensed global brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, Viva, WypAll, and Kimberly-Clark Professional in its territories.
Kimberly-Clark will retain its consumer tissue and professional businesses in the U.S. and its existing tissue joint ventures in select markets such as Mexico, South Korea and Bahrain, sharpening its focus on higher-growth, higher-margin personal care and related categories, which are expected to represent roughly two-thirds of its net sales after closing.
The joint venture company will be managed by a five-member board with Suzano appointing three directors and Kimberly-Clark two members. and Suzano will hold a call option to purchase Kimberly-Clark's remaining 49% interest over time, subject to agreed terms.
The closing of the transaction is targeted for mid-2026.