International Paper to acquire DS Smith

The transaction is to create a global leader in packaging solutions focussing on the North American and European regions. About 90 per cent of the enlarged company's sales revenues will come from fiber-based packaging. The takeover will combine DS Smith's extensive European sales revenues of $9.4bn with IP's European sales of $1.5bn. IP says its North American eastern region business will be enhanced by DS Smith's complementary box network. The integration of about 500,000-600,000 tpy of DS Smith's containerboard capacities into the IP mill system will increase the combined integration rate to bout 90  per cent.

IP's and DS Smith's product portfolio are highly complementary, the two companies say. The transaction will increase exposure to the attractive fast-moving consumer good and e-commerce market segments. It is expected to deliver at least $514m of pre-tax cash synergies by the end of the fourth year following the close of the combination. Pro forma combined sales revenues for 2023 amount to $28.2bn and adjusted Ebitda to approximately $4.1bn.

Andrew K. Silvernail will be the CEO of the combined company, Miles Roberts will be retained as a consultant to assist with integration matters. Up to two non-executive directors of DS will be invited to join the Board of the combined company, which will be headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. There are plans to establish an EMEA headquarters at DS Smith's existing London headquarters.