AbitibiBowater to Solicit Creditor Approval for its Reorganization Plan

MONTREAL—Aug. 2, 2010—AbitibiBowater announced today that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the solicitation materials for the company's U.S. plan of reorganization under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. It had previously obtained the Québec Superior Court's approval for the mailing of solicitation materials and related disclosure documents for its plan of reorganization under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). These approvals now enable AbitibiBowater to start soliciting votes from creditors to accept or reject its restructuring plans, in accordance with the applicable court orders.

The unsecured creditors committee supports the plans and the disclosure documents. AbitibiBowater expects to begin mailing the solicitation and voting materials in connection with the creditor protection proceedings to its unsecured creditors, including employees, on or about August 9, 2010.

"These developments signal significant progress in AbitibiBowater's restructuring process," stated David J. Paterson, President and CEO. "We are on track to emerge in the fall a stronger, more sustainable company."

Before emerging from creditor protection, AbitibiBowater must obtain adequate exit financing and complete efforts to address labor costs and pension issues, as well as satisfy other conditions set forth in the plans of reorganization. Ultimately, the company's plans of reorganization will require creditor approval and confirmation by the U.S. and Canadian Courts.

More information about AbitibiBowater's restructuring process can be found at www.abitibibowater.com or by calling toll-free 888 266-9280. International callers should dial 503 597-7698.

About AbitibiBowater:
AbitibiBowater produces a wide range of newsprint, commercial printing and packaging papers, market pulp and wood products. It is the eighth largest publicly traded pulp and paper manufacturer in the world. AbitibiBowater owns or operates 21 pulp and paper facilities and 24 wood products facilities located in the United States, Canada and South Korea. Marketing its products in more than 90 countries, the Company is also among the world's largest recyclers of old newspapers and magazines, and has third-party certified 100% of its managed woodlands to sustainable forest management standards. AbitibiBowater's shares trade over-the-counter on the Pink Sheets and on the OTC Bulletin Board under the stock symbol ABWTQ.