International Paper

MEMPHIS, TN—International Paper announced that distribution solutions businesses xpedx and Unisource Worldwide will merge under the terms of a definitive agreement that will result in the creation of a new publicly traded company. The agreements providing for the combination of the two businesses were signed by International Paper, parent company of xpedx, and by UWW Holdings, the holding company that owns Unisource and is owned by an affiliate of Bain Capital and by Georgia-Pacific, as well as certain of their affiliates.

International Paper has launched a new International Paper Stock Guide App, that features five brands, hundreds of paper options and sortable stock information. The app provides access to the most up-to-date information on all International Paper Commercial Printing and Imaging Papers, with real-time updates on new products and spec changes each time the app is accessed.

xpedx and Unisource Worldwide will merge under the terms of a definitive agreement that will result in the creation of a new publicly traded company. The agreements providing for the combination of the two businesses were signed by International Paper, parent company of xpedx, and by UWW Holdings.

Richard Oelkers has joined Finch Paper as business development manager. Joining the national account team, he will be responsible for new business development among publishers, converters and print resellers.

Earning the ENERGY STAR designation at its Middletown, CT, facility was one of several sustainability goals that xpedx achieved this year. The ENERGY STAR designation is given to buildings scoring in the top 25 percent for energy efficiency, based on the EPA's energy performance rating system.

Commercial printer company and personnel news from Printing Impressions’ December 2013 edition, featuring

International Paper has donated its 7,000-acre Lake Erling property in southwest Arkansas to the American Gamebird Research Education and Development (AGRED) Foundation that will preserve and improve the property to protect wildlife and maintain the lake for public recreational use in perpetuity.

International Paper has introduced 25 new digital items to its Accent Opaque brand. The addition of these new items strengthens the current portfolio which includes a new super smooth line of treated papers designed for digital printing applications.

Memphis, TN-based International Paper (IP) reported third quarter net earnings of $382 million, an increase of $145 million, or 38 percent, from the third quarter 2012 net earnings of $259 million. The earnings posted Thursday, October 24, were also a 32 percent increase from the second quarter of 2013.

As expected, International Paper had higher wood costs because of the wettest summer in the Southeastern United States in 100 years. The impact of the soaking on wood costs was even higher for the quarter than IP anticipated and created more of a headwind, although the rainfall has since moderated.

Commercial Printing Industry News Briefs from Printing Impressions’ October 2013 edition, including Quad/Graphics, Japs-Olson Co., O'Neil Data Systems, Mohawk, Charles A. "Chuck" Alessandrini, a former NAPL president and Soderstrom Award recipient, International Paper, ArtCraft Printing, and CTI Paper USA.