UK Clears $3.4 Billion Suzano and Kimberly-Clark Deal
Britain's competition watchdog cleared the $3.4 billion joint venture between Suzano and Kimberly-Clark. No Phase 2 investigation will now be required.
The United Kingdom antitrust regulator cleared a joint venture between SUZANO SA - SPON ADR and KIMBERLY-CLARK CORP worth $3.4 billion. The decision prevents the deal from entering a more intensive Phase 2 investigation and removes a primary regulatory hurdle for the Brazilian pulp producer and the American consumer goods giant.
### Watchdog Declines Deeper Probe The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it would not refer the proposed partnership for further scrutiny. The $3.4 billion deal unites the scale of Brazil-based Suzano, the world's largest hardwood pulp producer, with the consumer reach of Kimberly-Clark. The CMA decision follows an initial review of how the joint venture might impact competition within the British market. By avoiding a Phase 2 probe, the companies bypass a process that typically lasts six months and can result in forced divestments or blocked mergers.
