Nip Impressions logo
Thu, Mar 28, 2024 18:30
Visitor
Home
Click here for Pulp & Paper Radio International
Subscription Central
Must reads for pulp and paper industry professionals
Search
My Profile
Login
Logout
Management Side
Kimberly-Clark weighs sale of European tissues business, sources say

IRVING, Texas (From news reports) - Kimberly-Clark Corp. is exploring a sale of its European tissue business, as it tries to slash costs and combat slowing sales by exiting less profitable areas, according to people familiar with the matter.

The maker of Kleenex tissues and Huggies diapers has contacted private equity firms to gauge their interest in acquiring the business, which is likely to fetch above 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion), the sources said.

Kimberly-Clark's European portfolio includes toilet paper brands Andrex in Britain and Ireland, Hakle in Austria and Switzerland and Scottex in Belgium, Italy and Spain.

It was not immediately clear whether any potential divestment would also include the European licenses for brands sold both in Europe and elsewhere, such as Kleenex and Cottonelle, though the standard practice would be to include them, three of the sources said.

The sources cautioned that no deal is certain and asked not to be identified because the matter is confidential. Kimberly-Clark declined to comment.

Kimberly-Clark is one of many packaged goods companies grappling with a fast-changing landscape being rocked by the rise of e-commerce, challenger brands and changing habits.

Earlier this year, the company said it would consider exiting some lower-margin businesses, chiefly in the competitive consumer tissue segment, which is battling higher commodity costs and private label manufacturers.

The Irving, Texas-based company also said it planned to close or sell 10 of its 91 factories worldwide and cut 5,000 jobs - about 13 percent of its workforce - as it strives for more than $2 billion in cost cuts by 2021.

This would not be the company's first retreat from Europe. In 2012, it quit the diaper business in most of Western and Central Europe to focus on what it saw at the time as faster-growing regions such as China, Brazil and Russia.

In Western Europe, the retail tissue market - which includes tissues, toilet paper, napkins and paper towels - was worth about $14.7 billion last year, according to Euromonitor International. It ranks Kimberly-Clark second, with a 10 percent market share, behind Sweden's Essity.

Europe has been tough for Kimberly-Clark, as it vies for shopper loyalty against other multinationals with deeper European focuses such as Procter & Gamble and Unilever.

****

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

* We are looking for a Production Shift Team Leader to maintain high standards, plus ensure safety policies and regulations for a company located close to Chicago's Midway Airport. If you are experienced team leader who has a four-year degree in an engineering/technical field (paper science degree preferred, and experience in recycled linerboard or corrugating medium paper mills is a plus), we are looking for someone like you! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* A family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company in Illinois is looking for an experienced Maintenance Technician to maintain production and quality by ensuring operation of machinery and mechanical equipment. Relocation and other perks are available to the right candidate who is committed to working third shift. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* Are you an experienced Maintenance Mechanic and would like to work for a family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company that invests in the best equipment and technology? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* A leading company in the corrugated solutions packaging business is looking for a experienced Electrician. The right candidate will possess the following skills: electrical; hydraulic; automatic drives (basic component machines 122 to 440 volts). If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for a Corporate Industrial Electro-Mechanical Engineer near Allentown, PA. Relocation is available. Do you have a storied list of unique electrical and mechanical engineering skills you're ready to take to the next level? Do you envision yourself in a corporate-level leadership role that your experience finally merits? And do you relish any opportunity to troubleshoot and solve real-time problems, all while designing and installing new services and systems that will not only ensure safety, but also turn a potentially hazardous work environment into a continuously thriving one? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for hands-on Electro Mechanical Maintenance Techs in Conyers, Georgia. Preference will be given to candidates with higher education and additional certificates or training. You must be able to work any shift. Pay is negotiable with excellent perks and benefits. Relocation assistance is available to the right candidate. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

****

Jim Thompson is back again...with a new book on a taboo subject: the personalities in the pulp & paper industry. Jim has written in the past on many subjects based on his four plus decades in the worldwide pulp and paper industry. This new book is packed full of information valuable to the senior member of the industry as well as the recent entrant. A must for every pulp and paper library.


Printer-friendly format

 





Powered by Bondware
News Publishing Software

The browser you are using is outdated!

You may not be getting all you can out of your browsing experience
and may be open to security risks!

Consider upgrading to the latest version of your browser or choose on below: