Feb 01, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. Svenska Cellulosa AB agreed to sell its North American packaging operations to U.S. private equity firm Metalmark Capital for $400 million, saying it will focus on its operations in Eastern Europe and Asia, The Globe and Mail reported. The Swedish paper company, which develops and produces personal care products, tissue, packaging solutions, publication papers and solid-wood products, said the sale will reduce debt by SEK 2.8 billion (about $400 million), but in the short term will cause a drop in annual earnings per share of SEK 0.2 ($0.03). SCA's North American operations have annual sales of about $430 million.