** Packaging company International Paper's IP.N shares rise nearly 3% to $42.73 premarket
** Co announces plan to split into two publicly traded companies by spinning off European packaging business
** Separation expected to be completed in 12-15 months
** Co's quarterly sales of $6 billion beat estimates - data compiled by LSEG
** In 2025, IP was down about 26%
(Reporting by Angela Christy M in Bengaluru)
((AngelaChristy.M@thomsonreuters.com;))