Stella-Jones Announces Intent to Acquire the Burke-Parsons-Bowlby Corporation


Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 07 January 2008 -- (Marketwire) -- Stella-Jones Inc. (TSX:SJ) today announced that it has entered into a letter of intent to acquire The Burke-Parsons-Bowlby Corporation (BPB).

The acquisition is expected to be structured as a merger between a U.S.-based wholly-owned subsidiary of Stella-Jones, and BPB. The letter of intent contemplates a total purchase price of USD 33 Million, to be paid through the conversion of each outstanding share of common stock of BPB into a right to receive approximately USD 47.78 per share in cash, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

The acquisition is subject to customary conditions, including entry into a definitive merger agreement, approval of BPB shareholders, and the completion of satisfactory due diligence. It is anticipated that the proposed transaction, if finalized, would close by 01 April 2008, with the right of Stella-Jones to extend the closing date by two 30-day increments. It is expected that financing for the transaction will be secured through existing and additional debt facilities and the issuance of additional Stella-Jones securities.

BPB began operations in 1955 and is a producer of treated wood products, primarily for the railroad industry. BPB owns and operates five treating plants located in DuBois, Pennsylvania; Goshen, Virginia; Spencer, West Virginia; and Stanton and Fulton, Kentucky. For the fiscal year ended 31 March 2007, BPB had sales of USD 85 Million. BPB securities are listed on the NASDAQ OTC Bulletin Board.

Stella-Jones Inc. (TSX:SJ) is a leading North American producer and marketer of industrial treated wood products, specializing in the production of pressure-treated railway ties and wood poles supplied to electrical utilities and telecommunications companies. Other principal products include marine and foundation pilings, construction timbers, highway guardrail posts, and treated wood for bridges. The company also provides treated consumer lumber products and customized services to lumber retailers and wholesalers for outdoor applications. The company's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

To learn more, visit www.stella-jones.com.