Suzano has completed the acquisition of a 51% equity interest in FamPro Tissue Holdings B.V. from Kimberly-Clark, officially establishing the new global tissue and hygiene company Arbex.

The transaction, originally announced in June 2025 as a US$3.4 billion joint venture, became effective on July 1, 2026, with Arbex beginning operations as an independent business serving consumer and professional tissue markets worldwide.

The new company combines Suzano’s pulp expertise with Kimberly-Clark’s established portfolio of tissue and hygiene brands, creating one of the industry’s largest international tissue businesses.

Arbex Begins Operations Across More Than 70 Markets

Arbex will manufacture, market and distribute tissue and professional hygiene products in more than 70 countries across five continents.

The company has assumed ownership of assets previously operated by Kimberly-Clark’s International Family Care & Professional (IFP) business, including:

• 22 manufacturing facilities across 14 countries
• More than 40 regional tissue and hygiene brands
• A long-term licensing agreement for several globally recognized Kimberly-Clark brands

The regional portfolio includes brands such as Andrex®, Hakle® and Scottex®, while the licensing agreement covers global brands including Kleenex®, Scott®, Cottonelle®, Viva®, WypAll® and Kimberly-Clark Professional®.

The transaction significantly expands Suzano’s downstream presence in the global consumer tissue market while providing Kimberly-Clark with an ongoing strategic partnership.

Experienced Leadership Team Takes Charge

Arbex begins operations with a leadership team drawn from both parent companies.

Ehab Abou-Oaf, formerly President of Kimberly-Clark’s International Family Care & Professional business, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and will lead the company from its headquarters in London.

Other senior appointments include:

• Luís Bueno, formerly Executive Vice President of Suzano’s Consumer Goods business, as Chief Operating Officer.
• Oscar Mousinho, previously Global Chief Financial Officer of Mars Pet Nutrition and a former Kimberly-Clark executive, as Chief Financial Officer.
• Former Suzano Chief Executive Officer Walter Schalka as Chairman of the Arbex Board of Directors.

The leadership structure combines expertise across pulp production, consumer products, international operations and financial management.

Strategic Expansion Across the Tissue Value Chain

The launch of Arbex represents an important strategic milestone for Suzano as it continues expanding beyond its position as the world’s largest market pulp producer.

By integrating pulp production with branded tissue and hygiene products, Suzano strengthens its participation across the tissue value chain, from fiber supply to finished consumer products.

For Kimberly-Clark, the joint venture enables continued participation in international tissue markets through a strategic partnership while maintaining access to globally recognized consumer brands through long-term licensing arrangements.

Global Tissue Industry Continues to Consolidate

The formation of Arbex reflects broader consolidation trends within the global tissue and hygiene industry, where manufacturers are seeking greater operational scale, stronger regional market positions and enhanced supply chain integration.

Growing demand for tissue, hygiene and professional cleaning products, together with increasing pressure to improve manufacturing efficiency and sustainability performance, continues to encourage strategic partnerships and portfolio restructuring across the sector.

With operations spanning multiple regions and an extensive manufacturing footprint, Arbex enters the market as a major participant in the global tissue and hygiene industry.

Company executives said the immediate priority will be ensuring a smooth transition for employees, customers and business partners while positioning the new organization for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive international market.

Last Updated on 06/07/2026 by Jota Machinery