Netherlands: Suzano, Kimberly-Clark announce joint venture

Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, and Kimberly-Clark, the global leader in the consumer staples industry, have announced that the companies are partnering to create a $3.4 billion joint venture to manufacture, market and distribute consumer and professional tissue products worldwide.

In a press release, Suzano said it would pay $1.734 billion to Kimberly-Clark for a 51% stake in the company, which will be based in the Netherlands and include 22 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries, with capacity to manufacture around 1 million tonnes of tissue products per year.

Kimberly-Clark will retain its business in the USA and interests in joint ventures.

Commenting on the deal, Suzano CEO Beto Abreu 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”.

The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, and involve around 9,000 employees.

Source: Suzano