Willamette Shows Some Interest

If the letter represented the extending of an olive branch by Swindells and McDougall, Rogel quickly swatted it out of their collective hand.

"Your letter...is simply another way for you to say no to discussions with Weyerhaeuser," Rogel responded. "We believe that our existing $50 per share offer is fair price for Willamette. Nevertheless, we have said that we are willing to increase our price if Willamette will engage in meaningful negotiations with us. We are not going to increase our price, however, merely to begin discussions that, based on your letter, would not be productive.