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UK watchdog clears Suzano, Kimberly-Clark $3.4 billion joint venture - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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UK watchdog clears Suzano, Kimberly-Clark $3.4 billion joint venture

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 28, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: May 28, 2026

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UK Watchdog Clears $3.4 Billion Suzano and Kimberly-Clark Joint Venture

UK Competition Watchdog Decision on Suzano and Kimberly-Clark Joint Venture

Overview of the Joint Venture

May 28 (Reuters) - Britain's competition watchdog said on Thursday it would not refer the proposed $3.4 billion joint venture between Brazilian pulp producer Suzano and consumer goods giant Kimberly-Clark for a Phase 2 investigation.

Details of the Watchdog's Announcement

Implications for the Companies Involved

(Reporting by Raechel Thankam Job in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)

Key Takeaways

  • The JV combines Suzano’s pulp strength with Kimberly‑Clark’s international tissue business (22 plants, ~9,000 employees, 70+ countries) — valued at approximately $3.4 billion, with Suzano holding 51% and Kimberly‑Clark 49%. (pulpandpaperchronicle.com)
  • The European Commission had already cleared the acquisition of Kimberly‑Clark’s IFP business by Suzano under EU merger rules on May 11, 2026. (uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com)
  • The CMA’s decision meets the statutory Phase 1 timeline initiated on March 30, 2026, following a public consultation that closed in February, and paves the way for the deal’s expected mid‑2026 closing. (gov.uk)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What decision did the UK competition watchdog make regarding the Suzano and Kimberly-Clark joint venture?
The UK watchdog decided not to refer the $3.4 billion joint venture for a Phase 2 investigation.
How much is the proposed joint venture between Suzano and Kimberly-Clark worth?
The joint venture is valued at $3.4 billion.
Which companies are involved in the approved joint venture?
Brazilian pulp producer Suzano and consumer goods giant Kimberly-Clark are involved.
What was avoided by the watchdog’s decision on the joint venture?
A Phase 2 investigation by the competition authorities was avoided.

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