International Paper Signs Agreement to Sell Asian Corrugated Packaging Business

MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper IP today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its corrugated packaging business in China and Southeast Asia to Xiamen Bridge Hexing Equity Investment Partnership Enterprise. International Paper's corrugated packaging business in Asia has 18 plants and a workforce of approximately 3,000 employees.

Under terms of the transaction, International Paper will receive a total of approximately RMB 1 billion (approximately US$150 million at current exchange rate), subject to post-closing adjustments and other payments, including the buyer's assumption of the liability for loans of approximately US$50 million to be paid to International Paper within six months of closing of the sale.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the next few months, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, including obtaining required governmental approvals.

International Paper IP is a global leader in packaging and paper with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include industrial and consumer packaging along with uncoated papers and pulp. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company employs approximately 55,000 people and is strategically located in more than 24 countries serving customers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2015 were $22 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements. These statements reflect Company management's current views and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements.  Factors which could cause actual results to differ include but are not limited to (i) the receipt of regulatory approvals for the transaction and the successful fulfillment or waiver of all other closing conditions without unexpected delays or conditions; (ii) the successful closing of the transaction within the estimated timeframe; (iii) industry conditions; (iv) global economic conditions and political changes; and (v) other factors that can be found in the Company's press releases and Securities and Exchange Commission filings.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE International Paper