May 25, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. The European Commission has approved DS Smith’s acquisition of SCA's packaging operations, excluding the two kraftliner mills in Sweden. The purchase price amounts to Euro 1.7billion on a debt free basis. The operations have approximately 12,000 employees, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Jan Johansson, President and CEO of SCA, comments: "The most important condition for finalizing the deal has now been fulfilled. Today's decision by the EU will enable SCA to continue to strengthen and consolidate its positions in the hygiene and forest products areas." The Commission has conditioned the decision to DS Smith making some divestments after the acquisition. SCA's packaging operations will be transferred to DS Smith's ownership in connection with the closing of the deal which is expected to take place according to schedule. SCA is a global hygiene and paper company that develops and produces personal care products, tissue, publication papers, solid-wood products and packaging solutions.