# International Paper EMEA business restructuring

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/international-paper-emea-business-restructuring
> Updated: 2026-10-30T11:56:18.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

International Paper has confirmed it is exploring options for its Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) packaging business. The company is pursuing a potential sale in parallel with a plan to spin off the regional operations into an independent entity named DS Smith plc. Reports suggest private equity firms have explored bids that could value the business at less than US$6 billion.

By late October, the company reported a US$1.1 billion loss from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2026. This deficit was largely driven by a US$1.38 billion non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to the EMEA Packaging Solutions segment, which reflected reduced valuations caused by pricing pressure and weak demand in those regions. While the EMEA segment faced challenges, the North American Packaging division reported an operating profit of US$427 million during the same period.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-30: International Paper reports US$1.1 billion loss in Q3 2026

International Paper reported a US$1.1 billion Q3 2026 loss, driven by a US$1.38 billion impairment charge in its EMEA packaging segment, despite strong profit growth in North America.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-paper-reports-us11-billion-loss-in-q3-2026

### 2026-10-16: International Paper considers sale of EMEA packaging business

International Paper is exploring a sale of its EMEA packaging business alongside plans for a spinoff, with private equity firms reportedly considering bids below US$6 billion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-paper-considers-sale-of-emea-packaging-business

---
Cite as: International Paper EMEA business restructuring. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/international-paper-emea-business-restructuring