BUZZ — International Paper up on report of PE firms exploring bids for Europe business

* Shares of International Paper up about 5% at $33.33 * Private equity firms Lone Star and Atlas Holdings are exploring multibillion-dollar bids for International Paper's European packaging business, according to the Financial Times * Co in January had announced it would split into two publicly traded companies by spinning off its European packaging business, aiming to streamline its operations and boost productivity across North America * IP in 2024 completed a $7.2 billion buyout of London-based rival DS Smith * In June, co reported second-quarter sales below Wall Street estimates and trimmed the top end of its annual profit forecast range * As of last close, stock down 19% YTD (Reporting by Koyena Das from Bengaluru) ((Koyena.das@thomsonreuters.com)