The joint venture is formed through the sale of 50 percent of the SCA operations in the region to the Australian-based Pacific Equity Partners. The finalization of the transaction follows approval by the relevant authorities.The deal enables a more efficient financing as well as it increases the speed of development of the operations, according to SCA.SCA’s operations in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji employ about 1,500 people. In 2010, this business had net sales of 4,400 million Kronor, with some 70 percent related to tissue and some 30 percent related to personal care products. In the region, SCA manufactures and markets a number of leading brands.