For Immediate Release:
[California, USA] – The Paper Excellence Group, a global diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers, today announced the successful closing of its previously-announced acquisition of Domtar (NYSE: UFS) (TSX: UFS), a leading provider of fiber-based products. The acquisition further establishes Paper Excellence Group as an industry leader, significantly broadening its global reach and expanding its product range to include airlaid nonwovens and containerboard, in addition to significantly increased pulp and paper production.
Domtar will operate as a stand-alone business entity within the Paper Excellence Group, with Domtar’s current CEO and management team remaining in place. There are no further changes to operating locations, business plans, or Domtar’s employee base at this time.
“Today marks a major milestone in the growth of the Paper Excellence Group,” said Joe Ragan, Global Chief Financial Officer of Paper Excellence. “We are excited to welcome Domtar and its impressive team to the Paper Excellence family. Under John Williams and Domtar’s capable management, we look forward to Domtar’s continued success across its manufacturing network in the US and Canada.”
“As part of the Paper Excellence Group, the future is bright for Domtar,” said John Williams, President and CEO of Domtar. “We will continue to earn the right to be the supplier of choice to our customers with sustainable paper, pulp and packaging products.”
Under terms of the agreement, Domtar stockholders received USD$55.50 for each share of Domtar common stock. Domtar common stock will no longer be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange or the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Advisors
Barclays served as exclusive financial advisor to Paper Excellence and Latham & Watkins LLP, McMillan LLP, Miller Titerle + Co., and Mehigan LLP, served as legal advisors to the Paper Excellence Group.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, served as exclusive financial advisor to Domtar and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, served as legal advisors to Domtar.
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The Paper Excellence Group, headquartered in Southern California, is a privately-held diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing and writing, and packaging papers, producing over 7 million tons annually with a workforce of over 10,000 in its nearly 40 locations across the Americas and Europe. Through its individual business units, the Group leverages its operational excellence and sustainable high-quality, cost-effective products to deliver high quality pulp and paper to its customers around the world. For more information on Paper Excellence, please visit www.paperexcellence.com. To learn more about Domtar, visit www.domtar.com.
Paper Excellence Media: Ross Lovern / Hallie Wolff | Kekst | Tel.: 917-842-7205 / 917-842-1127
Domtar Investors & Media: David Struhs, Vice-President, Corporate Services & Sustainability | Tel.: 803-802-8031