International Paper Plans to Spin Off into Two Independent Companies

International Paper announced its plan to create two independent, publicly traded companies: International Paper will be comprised of its current business in North America including both legacy IP and DS Smith assets, and the EMEA Packaging business will be comprised of both legacy DS Smith and IP assets in EMEA. The separation will create two leading sustainable packaging solutions companies, each with focused management teams and business models, tailored investment and capital allocation strategies, and compelling financial profiles. International Paper is focused on maximizing value for shareholders through its 80/20 performance system and region-specific strategies. Combining International Paper and DS Smith enabled the company to significantly strengthen the businesses in both North America and EMEA. Over the past year, the 80/20 approach enabled the company to recognize significant regional benefits, improve customer delivery and strengthen its relative supply position in both geographies. "During the past year, we have created two regional powerhouses with scale, strong customer relationships, leading brands and talented teams," said International Paper Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail. "The two businesses operate in distinct market environments and are at different stages of their transformation. We have learned a lot about how to create value in each region. The next right step in our transformation journey to achieve full value creation potential is to create two independent, regionally focused companies. Taking this swift, decisive action now will enable both businesses to reach best-in-class performance and maximize long-term value creation through enhanced focus on their unique opportunities and targeted investment approaches." The separation is expected to be structured as a spin-off of the combined EMEA Packaging business to shareholders. International Paper intends to retain a meaningful ownership stake in the new company. Whether the transaction will be tax-free to shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes will depend on the ultimate terms of the transaction, the amount of shares retained and other factors. The new company is expected to be listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. The separation is expected to be completed in 12-15 months, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, including final approval by the IP Board of Directors as well as the filing and effectiveness of a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the publication of a prospectus approved by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority. No assurance can be provided regarding the ultimate timing or structure of the proposed separation or its eventual completion.