# International Paper Closes 6.9% Higher as It Confirms Talks With Potential Buyers By John Kim Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/33064 Published: 2026-10-16T05:48:35.000Z Updated: 2026-10-16T05:48:35.000Z Section: Business > The review concerns its EMEA packaging business and is proceeding alongside a planned spin-off into DS Smith plc. No sale is assured. International Paper shares ended 6.90% higher Thursday, Oct. 15, as the company confirmed it was reviewing unsolicited approaches for its EMEA packaging business and speaking with potential buyers. The stock closed at $34.10, up $2.20, at 4 p.m. ET (20:00 UTC). The closing gain was below the 7.4% increase at 1:30 p.m. ET (17:30 UTC) covered in an earlier [intraday update on the shares](). International Paper has not named potential buyers or disclosed a price. The review remains at an early stage, and a sale may not be agreed or completed. The company is continuing preparations to separate its EMEA business as DS Smith plc while considering a potential sale. The separation plan calls for DS Smith to list in London and establish a Level II ADR program on the New York Stock Exchange. The separation remains subject to board approval and regulatory conditions. DS Smith Capital Markets Day is scheduled for Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon ET (13:00–17:00 UTC). ## Links in this article - [intraday update on the shares](https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/32782)