Verso Receives All Regulatory Approvals Necessary to Proceed with Closing of Merger with BillerudKorsnäs AB

The Fedrigoni Group and Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. have entered into a manufacturing agreement to expand the reach of their specialty papers globally. Shared core values of craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability make this a natural and valuable opportunity for both organizations. The Fedrigoni Group is the first global player in the manufacture of high added value specialty papers for luxury packaging and other creative applications and world leader in premium labels and self-adhesive materials. Mohawk, founded in 1931, is family owned and operated, manufacturing some of the world's most recognized specialty papers for designers, consumer brands, and printers. Mohawk's early innovation in digital printing and sustainability secured its leadership position in these two significant growth sectors. “The agreement with Mohawk is a further element in our growth strategy in a market with excellent prospects such as specialty papers, especially for luxury packaging, where we intend to consolidate our global primacy. Many synergistic opportunities are also present for our selfadhesive materials division, which will expand its leading position in premium labels for the wine market in the US", comments Marco Nespolo, CEO of Fedrigoni Group. "This is an important step forward to reinforce our geographical penetration in the United States, where we will directly produce and distribute high value-added papers, leveraging all possible industrial and commercial synergies with our Group. We will also better support the ESG strategies of our clients, especially those in the luxury sector by giving them the option of moving to near shoring rather than global purchasing”.

Clearwater Paper Corporation announced the successful completion of the sale of its tissue business to Sofidel America Corp., a subsidiary of Sofidel S.p.A., for $1.06 billion in cash, prior to customary purchase price adjustments. The transaction represents a significant step in the Company’s transformation into a premier independent supplier of paperboard packaging products to North American converters. Terms of the sale were first announced on July 22, 2024. “This is the next big step in transforming Clearwater into a premier independent paperboard packaging supplier in North America,” said Arsen Kitch, president and chief executive officer of Clearwater Paper. “While it’s the right business decision, it’s a bittersweet moment for our company. We are parting ways with valued colleagues, and that’s difficult. The Tissue team has built a fantastic business and delivered strong results. I am proud of their work and wish them well.” “We’ll use the proceeds from the sale to pay down debt and strengthen our balance sheet. We will be well positioned to scale and diversify our paperboard business to create long-term value for our shareholders,” said Mr. Kitch.

The production at the Leitza factory was resumed last Saturday, March 12, following the agreement reached in the negotiation of the Collective Agreement between Lecta and the Trade Union Committee of the Leitza factory. The agreement was ratified by the workers last Friday, March 11. With the settlement of the agreement, the work centre re-establishes the production program in metallized, thermal, cast coated and carbonless products foreseen in these facilities. The company reiterates its commitment to providing the best service to all our customers.