Nippon Paper Crecia Co., Ltd. ("Crecia"), Nippon Paper Group's household paper business subsidiary, and Kimberly-Clark Corporation ("KC," Note 1) have renewed their License Agreements so as to strengthen their strategic alliance. KC is a global leading health and hygiene company based in U.S. and owns world-famous trademarks such as Kleenex®.

 

In this renewal, Crecia has newly obtained a right in Japan to deal with KC's technologically advanced products for professional safety (Note 2), in addition to existing consumer tissue products (Kleenex®, Scottie®, etc.) and personal care products (Diaper for aged people, etc.).

 

Demand for household paper in Asia is expected to increase greatly as their economic growth improves the sanitary consciousness of consumers there. Crecia would collaborate with KC for its business expansion in that market, discussing the possibility to provide its products made in Japan to KC's business hubs in Asia.

 

Crecia is committed to extend Nippon Paper Group's household paper business leveraging the alliance with KC.

 

Note 1 : Kimberly-Clark operates its business in 37 countries and its brand products are sold in more than 150 countries (http://www.kimberly-clark.com/).

(1) Headquarters Location : Dallas, Texas U.S.

(2) Net Sales : US$ 16,747MM (2006)

(3) Shareholders' Equity : US$ 598MM (December 31st, 2006)

 

Note 2 :

Safety apparel, gloves, goggles, masks and related products which offer comfortable fit and high performance protection in various workplaces such as labs, clean room, and sites exposed to asbestos or PCB.