Arbex, the $3.4bn (£2.5bn) joint venture between paper products leader Kimberly-Clark and paper pulp giant Suzano, has commenced operation.
The new business will manufacture, market and distribute tissue and hygiene products across more than 70 markets on five continents. It has assumed ownership of assets previously run by Kimberly-Clark’s international family care & professional business unit. They include 22 manufacturing sites in 14 countries and a 40-plus-strong brand portfolio featuring the likes of Andrex, Hakle and Scottex. Arbex also holds a long-term licence for the use of Kimberly-Clark global brands such Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, WypAll and Viva.
Ehab Abou-Oaf, previously president of Kimberly-Clark’s IFP business, has transitioned to CEO of Arbex. He will be based in London alongside the majority of the global leadership team. Luís Bueno, previously executive VP of Suzano’s consumer goods business, has become chief operating officer, while Oscar Mousinho, a Kimberly-Clark veteran who most recently served as global CFO of the pet nutrition business at Mars, is the incoming chief financial officer. Walter Schalka, who spent more than a decade as CEO of Suzano before stepping down in 2024, will chair Arbex’s board of directors.
“This new company brings together a distinguished heritage, a portfolio of trusted brands, and a compelling vision for the future,” said Abou-Oaf. “Our parent companies have given us a sturdy foundation and a leading market position. In an increasingly dynamic and evolving global landscape, Arbex is embarking on a new journey from a position of strength, and we believe we can shape the future of the tissue and hygiene sector.”
Bueno added: “Arbex brings together world-class talent with brands that already hold significant market share in over 70 countries around the world. From day one, we will be a successful global business, which gives us an exciting launchpad for accelerated growth and an opportunity to build on momentum.”
The joint venture combined “the best of Suzano’s industrial and operational expertise with Kimberly-Clark’s formidable international marketing and brand capabilities”, he said. “With a pureplay focus on tissue and hygiene products, we believe Arbex has commercial, technical and innovation capabilities that can deliver top-line and bottom-line improvements, helping make us the undisputed global leader in our sector.”
No comments yet