NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 October 2026
STATEMENT RE POSSIBLE EMEA PACKAGING BUSINESS SALE
International Paper Company (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) (“International Paper”, “IP” or the “Company”) notes the recent movement in the share price of the Company and the press speculation regarding a sale of its EMEA Packaging Business (the “Potential Sale”).
On 29 January 2026, the Company announced that its EMEA Packaging Business was expected to be separated by way of a spin off (the “Spin Off”). On 14 October 2026, the Company confirmed that the Spin Off was expected to be effected through a listing of the business on the London Stock Exchange with a Level II ADR program to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
The Company confirms that it is also evaluating unsolicited inbound enquiries in relation to its EMEA Packaging Business, and is in discussion with potential bidders. This process is at an early stage and there can be no certainty that any sale of the EMEA Packaging Business will be agreed or completed.
The Company is progressing the Spin Off and evaluating the Potential Sale in parallel. No assurance can be provided at this stage regarding the ultimate timing or structure of the proposed separation of the EMEA Packaging Business from International Paper.
As announced on 14 October 2026, in connection with the Spin Off, International Paper will host a “DS Smith – Capital Markets Day” on 3 November 2026.
Contacts
Media: newsroom@ipaper.com
Investors: Mandi Gilliland; 901-419-4595; Michele Vargas, 901-419-7287
The person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is Joseph R. Saab, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
About International Paper
International Paper creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking or conditional words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "could," "should," "can," "forecast," "outlook," "intend," "look," "may," "will," "remain," "confident," "commit" and "plan" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks that neither the Proposed Sale or the Spin Off will happen on a timely basis or at all, the Company's ability to achieve the desired outcome and realize the anticipated benefits from the Separation and the potential uncertainty and disruption during the pendency of the Separation. These forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2026, and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or changes in expectations.