FEDERAL WAY, WA—Two major players in the fine paper sector have decided to combine their businesses in a multi-billion dollar megadeal. Weyerhaeuser Co. and Domtar have come to terms on an agreement that sees the two companies marry their respective fine paper busin-esses in a $3.3 billion transaction. If approved, the company would become the largest fine paper manufacturer in North America. As part of the deal, Weyerhaeuser shareholders will receive 55 percent ownership in the new company, with Domtar shareholders getting 45 percent. Weyerhaeuser will also receive a $1.35 billion cash payment and will nominate a majority of the 13-member board, chaired by Weyerhaeuser adviser
Domtar Paper
FEDERAL WAY, WA—Two major players in the fine paper sector have decided to combine their businesses in a multi-billion dollar megadeal. Weyerhaeuser Co. and Domtar Inc. have come to terms on an agreement that sees the two companies marry their respective fine paper businesses in a $3.3 billion transaction. If approved, the company would become the largest uncoated freesheet paper manufacturer in North America. As part of the deal, Weyerhaeuser shareholders will receive 55 percent ownership in the new company, with Domtar shareholders getting 45 percent. Weyerhaeuser will also receive a $1.35 billion cash payment and will nominate a majority of the 13-member board, chaired by
FEDERAL WAY, WA—Aug. 23, 2006—Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to combine its Fine Paper business and related assets with Domtar Inc. (TSE/NYSE: DTC). The transaction gives Weyerhaeuser shareholders 55 percent ownership in the new company and includes a $1.35 billion cash payment to Weyerhaeuser. The cash payment, plus the stock valued at the closing price of Domtar stock on Aug. 22, 2006, results in a transaction value of $3.3 billion before considering resulting synergies.The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is expected to close in the first quarter of
S. Rosenthal Closes Doors CINCINNATI—S. Rosenthal & Co., a publication and catalog printer that dated back to 1868, perished in April with the demise of its Portland, TN, facility, Heritage Graphics. About 300 people lost their jobs. The company, ranked 117th on the 2005 PI 400 with $47 million in annual sales, never recovered from the loss of its TV Guide printing account. Weyerhaeuser Mulls Move FEDERAL WAY, WA—Weyerhaeuser Co. is considering alternatives for its fine paper business, including a possible sale. The company did confirm it is “in active discussion with several parties,” though it would not guarantee a sale of the fine paper business. Unique Press
Layoffs, Closings for Domtar MONTREAL—Paper manufacturer Domtar is reducing its workforce by 1,800 and will sell or close several facilities in an effort to return the company to profitability. The company will close down its Cornwall, ON, mill and shut down two paper machines at its Ottawa mill. Domtar also announced that two sawmills in Quebec will be closed and its Vancouver mill will be sold. At Cornwall, where 390 positions were eliminated last December, there are 910 workers tending to three paper machines. F.C.L. Nets Graphics Group HARWOOD HEIGHTS, IL—Direct marketing printing specialist F.C.L. Graphics has acquired certain assets of The Graphics Group, a regional sheetfed
Buhrs, a producer of mailing and fulfillment solutions, has announced its intention to enter the market for FSI collating and wrapping systems for the newspaper industry. Buhrs has appointed Don Piontek, of Finishing Resources, to develop its presence in the market. John Kia has been named manager, production product marketing, for IBM Printing Systems. Also, Chris Reid has been named commercial print solutions manager. In this capacity, he is responsible for worldwide output solutions customized for commercial printers, including service bureaus, direct mailers and book printers. FileAmerica, a custom file folder manufacturer, is celebrating its 30th year serving the trade in the printing industry. Formerly known
American Loose Leaf has appointed Cindy Stevenson as the new production manager for its St. Louis facility. Stevenson has more than 30 years of experience in the ring binder industry and has been with American Loose Leaf for 20 years. John MacKay has acquired all outstanding shares of Feuiltault Machinery from its founder, Martin Feuiltault. Mr. Feuiltault will remain with the company as a member of the company's technological orientation committee. MacKay will assume the position of president. International Paper's 2005 Best on Press Awards will feature $14,000 in prizes to 21 winners. Work printed on IP brands during the 2004 calendar year is eligible for
GCIU to Merge with Teamsters WASHINGTON, DC—A majority of the Graphic Communications International Union (GCIU) voted to merge with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). The GCIU became an autonomous conference of the IBT effective January 1. The Teamsters has 1.4 million members, according to GCIU President George Tedeschi, who believes the merger will "breathe new life" into the printing workers union. New Headquarters for RRD CHICAGO—RR Donnelley is preparing to relocate to its new worldwide corporate headquarters in an office tower at 111 South Wacker Drive in the heart of the Windy City. The company will occupy 110,000 square feet. Donnelley, which is currently located at
Colter & Peterson and MBO America are now co-distributors of Wohlenberg paper cutters and cutting systems for the U.S. market. Specifically, the cooperative agreement will allow technical experts and sales personnel from both companies to confer with each other on how Wohlenberg cutters can best enhance the efficiency and productivity for printers and trade finishers looking to upgrade their operations. Rochester Institute of Technology's School of Print Media presented the Cary Award to Frank Steenburgh, senior vice president for business growth, Production Systems Group at Xerox Corp. during a breakfast at Graph Expo 2004. The Cary Award is presented annually to those who have
Phototype Updates Facility CINCINNATI—Queen City printer Phototype has taken the wraps off its newly renovated, 40,000-square-foot facility that will house its headquarters and creative imaging center. The existing facility, a historic building, received a multimillion dollar facelift that included a two-story addition. Phototype also operates an imaging center in Columbus, OH, and a high-end creative art studio in Chicago. Quad Names Quadracci Sr. VP SUSSEX, WI—Joel Quadracci has been promoted to senior vice president of sales and administration by Quad/Graphics, and has been named a member of the board of directors. Quadracci served as the company's vice president of print sales for the previous four years. Quad/Graphics