Oct 27, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. International Paper reported 3Q 2010 net earnings of $397 million compared with $93 million in the 2Q 2010 and $371 million in the 3Q 2009. Amounts include the impact of special items in the 2Q 2010 and the 3Q 2009, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Quarterly net sales were $6.7 billion compared with $6.1 billion in the 2Q 2010 and $5.9 billion in the 3Q 2009. Operating profits before special items were $752 million in the 3Q 2010, up from $466 million in the 2Q 2010 and $443 million in the 3Q 2009. "Our paper and packaging businesses delivered strong results, which led to record earnings," said John Faraci, Chairman and CEO. "We continued to realize our announced price increases, realize restructuring benefits, operate well and improve our mix of business which led to strong margin expansion. As a result, free cash flow in the quarter was outstanding. We are well positioned to generate strong results in the 4Q and into 2011." Industrial Packaging operating profits rose to $332 million versus $193 million ($192 million after special items) in the 2Q 2010. Printing Papers operating profits were $278 million versus $158 million ($47 million after special items) in the 2Q 2010. Consumer Packaging operating profits increased to $71 million compared with $49 million ($48 million after special items) in the 2Q 2010. xpedx, the company's distribution business, reported operating profits of $22 million, down from $26 million in the 2Q 2010. Forest Products earnings were $49 million, up from $40 million in the 2Q due to the sale of the majority of remaining land portfolio. Net corporate expenses totaled $58 million for the 3Q 2010, essentially in line with the $54 million in the 2Q 2010. International Paper is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include uncoated papers and industrial and consumer packaging, complemented by xpedx, the company's North American distribution company.