BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S.-based International Paper secured EU clearance for its 5.8-billion-pound ($7.2 billion) acquisition of UK rival DS Smith with a pledge to sell assets to address competition concerns.

The European Commission said that the parties’ offer to sell five of International Paper’s plants in Europe fully addresses its competition concerns over the deal.

U.S.-based International Paper has received clearance from the European Union for its $7.2 billion acquisition of UK competitor DS Smith. The approval comes after International Paper agreed to sell assets to alleviate competition concerns.

International Paper (IP) won European Union approval for its planned £5.8 billion ($7.2 billion) of DS Smith (DSSMY)