Logout
Click here for Pulp & Paper Radio International
The Paperitalo Library
Free Downloads
Search
My Profile
Login
International Paper to Purchase Weyerhaeuser's Packaging Business
Print
Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 17 March 2008 --/PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) has signed an agreement with Weyerhaeuser to purchase its Containerboard, Packaging, and Recycling (CBPR) business for USD 6 billion in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. International Paper expects to close the deal in the third quarter of 2008, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review and receipt of financing.

Because the transaction is a purchase of assets rather than of stock, International Paper will realize a tax benefit that has an estimated net present value of approximately USD 1.4 billion. Taking this benefit into account, the net purchase price is about USD 4.6 billion.

"This deal represents a compelling opportunity for International Paper and our shareowners at a very attractive valuation," said John Faraci, chairman and chief executive officer. "Integrating Weyerhaeuser's CBPR business into our North American packaging platform fits very well with our strategy to improve our earnings, cash flow, and returns by strengthening existing businesses. We expect the combined packaging business will generate stronger cash flow and higher EBITDA margins than either standalone business."

Carol Roberts, senior vice president of International Paper's packaging business, said she sees low integration risk and considerable upside potential in the deal. "Weyerhaeuser has low-cost, well-run assets that complement our existing mill and converting system and offer significant synergies," she said. "The acquisition expands our geographic presence in the U.S. and Mexico and diversifies our customer base in key product lines. All of this will make our packaging business more competitive, more profitable and better able to serve customers."

International Paper has identified profit improvement opportunities of about USD 400 million annually from the acquisition. The company expects to achieve at least 40% of the improvement within 12 months of completing the deal, with the remainder fully realized by the end of the third year, as a result of reducing duplicate overhead costs, integrating manufacturing operations, optimizing product mix, and improving operational and supply chain efficiencies.

The company projects that the acquisition will be earnings accretive for the 2009 full year. International Paper will finance the transaction through debt and has financing commitments from several leading financial institutions.

Investor Webcast

The company will hold a webcast to review earnings at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time / 7:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time today. All interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast live via the company's Internet site at http://www.internationalpaper.com by clicking on the Investors tab and going to the Presentations page. A replay of the webcast will also be available on the Web site, beginning at noon today. Parties who wish to participate in the webcast via teleconference may dial (706) 902-0234 or, within the United States only, (877) 237-8815, and reference conference ID number 39812343. An audio-only replay will be available for four weeks following the call. To access the replay, dial (706) 645-9291 or, within the United States only, (800) 642-1687, and when prompted for the conference ID, enter "39812343."

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include uncoated papers and industrial and consumer packaging, complemented by xpedx, the company's North American distribution company. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company employs more than 50,000 people in more than 20 countries and serves customers worldwide. Net sales were approximately USD 22 billion in 2007. For more information about International Paper, its products, and its stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.

Source: International Paper

http://www.internationalpaper.com
 

Related Articles:


Powered by Bondware
News Publishing Software

The browser you are using is outdated!

You may not be getting all you can out of your browsing experience
and may be open to security risks!

Consider upgrading to the latest version of your browser or choose on below: