Suzano and Kimberly-Clark announce the creation of a global tissue company operating in over 70 countries
Joint venture will be the owner of Kimberly-Clark’s international tissue assets, including 22 manufacturing facilities, approximately 9,000 employees, and marketing and selling regional and global brands, such as Kleenex, Scott and WypAll in over 70 countries
Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, and Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in the consumer staples industry, today announced the creation of a US$3.4 billion joint venture focused on the manufacture, marketing and distribution of consumer and professional tissue products, such as toilet paper, napkins, paper towels and facial tissues in over 70 countries. Suzano will acquire a 51 percent interest in the new entity, with Kimberly-Clark holding a 49 percent interest.
Suzano will pay Kimberly-Clark US$1.734 billion in cash for its 51 percent stake at the closing of the transaction, subject to certain customary post-closing purchase price adjustments. Closing of the transaction is contingent on, among other things, approval by regulatory and other governmental authorities, fulfillment of customary conditions precedent for transactions of this nature, and completion by Kimberly-Clark of a corporate reorganization of its Consumer Tissue and Professional business unit. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026 and involves approximately 9,000 employees.
Beto Abreu, CEO of Suzano, said:
“This new company brings together two global players that are leaders in their respective markets, with complementary capabilities that combine Suzano’s industrial expertise and operational management efficiency with Kimberly-Clark’s know-how in brand management, marketing and commercialization of both regional and global brands, as well as its extensive experience in managing operations across multiple regions worldwide.
“Both companies share strong organizational cultures rooted in innovation and sustainability. We look forward to combining great talent, good assets, and tremendous brands that are trusted by consumers.”
Suzano is currently a leading player in toilet paper in Brazil, following the 2023 acquisition of Kimberly-Clark’s Brazilian tissue assets and brands. Suzano is also in the process of building a new R$650 million (approximately US$115 million) tissue paper mill at its site in Aracruz in the state of Espírito Santo, which will add 60,000 tonnes of annual capacity to the company’s Consumer Goods Business Unit.
Luis Bueno, Executive Vice President of Consumer Goods and Corporate Affairs at Suzano, said:
“We have an excellent understanding of Kimberly-Clark ´s culture and internal processes, thanks to our 2023 acquisition of the Brazilian tissue business. We have already been able to achieve significant efficiency gains in these operations, which we are confident can be replicated in other regions.
Via Suzano