Suzano acquires majority stake in international tissue business spanning over 70 countries, including iconic brands like Kleenex and Scott.
Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, and Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in consumer products, have announced the formation of a new joint venture valued at US$3.4 billion, marking a significant reshaping of the global tissue market.
The agreement will transfer Kimberly-Clark’s international tissue operations—including 22 manufacturing facilities across 14 countries and around 9,000 employees—into a newly incorporated company based in the Netherlands. Suzano will hold a 51% controlling stake, acquired for US$1.734 billion in cash, while Kimberly-Clark will retain 49%.
Set to operate in over 70 countries, the new entity will manage iconic brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, Viva, and WypAll under long-term license agreements. It will handle both consumer and professional tissue products like toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, and facial tissues.
“This new company brings together two global players that are leaders in their respective markets,” said Beto Abreu, CEO of Suzano. “We look forward to combining great talent, good assets, and tremendous brands that are trusted by consumers.”
The joint venture represents an evolution of both companies' global strategies. While Kimberly-Clark retains its tissue operations in the U.S. and key joint ventures in Mexico, South Korea, and Bahrain, the new partnership significantly expands Suzano’s presence in international consumer markets. The facilities involved can collectively produce around 1 million tonnes of tissue per year, generating approximately US$3.3 billion in net sales in 2024.
Kimberly-Clark CEO Mike Hsu called the move a “powerful step forward” in the company’s transformation journey. Meanwhile, Suzano CFO Marcos Assumpção emphasized that the transaction aligns with the company's disciplined growth strategy and global efficiency goals.
This partnership builds on Suzano’s 2023 acquisition of Kimberly-Clark’s Brazilian tissue assets and its ongoing investment in a new R$650 million tissue paper facility in Espírito Santo. The Brazilian firm is expected to replicate its regional efficiency gains globally.
The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, pending regulatory approvals and completion of Kimberly-Clark’s internal reorganization. The joint venture will be governed by a five-member board, with three seats held by Suzano and two by Kimberly-Clark. The agreement also includes a call option for Suzano to acquire Kimberly-Clark’s remaining stake.
Suzano is the world’s largest producer of market pulp and a leading paper and packaging manufacturer in the Americas. Headquartered in Brazil, the company exports sustainable, bio-based products to over 100 countries. With more than a century of experience, Suzano is known for its innovation, operational efficiency, and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Kimberly-Clark is a global consumer goods company whose trusted brands—such as Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, and Kotex—are used in over 175 countries. With a history spanning more than 150 years, the company focuses on innovation, sustainability, and meeting essential everyday needs. Kimberly-Clark is consistently recognized among the world’s most ethical and innovative companies.
