International Paper

International Paper sees a fundamental shift in the demand for uncoated paper in North America. The company stated as part of the Courtland announcement that “the demand for uncoated freesheet in North America has been in decline since 1999 and has recently accelerated as consumers continue to switch to electronic alternatives such as online publications and electronic billing and filing.”

This comment is very similar to the answer Staples management gave a few weeks ago when explaining disappointing 2Q 2013 earnings.

On Tuesday, International Paper unveiled plans to invest up to $150 million to upgrade equipment and expand its linerboard mill in Coosa, GA, The Rome News-Tribune reported Wednesday morning.

In an online story by The Rome News-Tribune, International Paper plant manager Devin Nix said the investment ensures the Georgia facility, which employs more than 400 workers, will stay competitive.

"We've got very hardworking families who live in this community and we're very proud to have this investment going into the facility," Nix told The Rome News-Tribune.

MEMPHIS, TN—International Paper announced plans to permanently close its Courtland, AL, mill, a facility that is part of the company's Printing and Communications Papers Business. The mill will shut down in stages with a full closure expected to be complete by the end of the first quarter of 2014. This mill closure will reduce IP's North American uncoated and coated freesheet paper production capacity by 950,000 tons, of which 765,000 is uncoated freesheet.

International Paper will permanently close its Courtland, AL, Mill, a facility that is part of the company's Printing and Communications Papers Business. This mill closure will reduce IP's North American uncoated and coated freesheet paper production capacity by 950,000 tons, of which 765,000 is uncoated freesheet.

International Paper's board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program to acquire up to $1.5 billion of the company's common stock. The company intends to repurchase such shares over the next two to three years in open market repurchase transactions. Also today, the company announced its board of directors is raising the company's quarterly dividend by 17 percent.

A new 2012 Sustainability Report has been published by International Paper, revealing progress against its voluntary goals including certified fiber use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, and water quality improvement. The report also highlights collaborations with prominent sustainability organizations including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

International Paper is in talks with Norcross, GA-based Unisource regarding a proposed business combination of xpedx, International Paper's distribution business, and Unisource. The discussions were initiated when Unisource approached International Paper about a possible merger and, on April 19, the parties entered into a non-binding letter of intent to explore a possible transaction.

AUSTIN, TX—The 2011 release of black liquor into the Pearl River in Louisiana has cost Temple-Inland $3.3 million in fines, The Advocate reported. The paper firm, a business of International Paper, was also sentenced to two years probation by U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle.

HOUSTON—Leading, innovative executives from Nike, MGM Resorts International, United Airlines and The Leo Burnett Co. are featured keynote speakers at Consolidated Graphics' fifth annual emerge conference, to be held April 30-May 2 in Las Vegas.

International Paper is in talks with Unisource regarding a proposed business combination of xpedx, International Paper's distribution business, and Unisource. The discussions were initiated when Unisource approached International Paper about a possible merger, and on April 19, 2013, the parties entered into a non-binding letter of intent to explore a possible transaction.