WEST FRASER ANNOUNCES CLOSURE OF HINTON PULP SALE

Rhea-AI Summary

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. has completed the sale of its Hinton Pulp mill to Mondi Group plc, following regulatory reviews and satisfaction of closing conditions. The company expresses gratitude to employees, the community of Hinton, and the Government of Alberta for their support. The future of the Hinton Pulp mill is promising, and West Fraser will continue to provide support through a long-term fibre supply agreement.

Financial Analyst

The divestiture of the Hinton Pulp mill by West Fraser to Mondi Group represents a significant strategic move for both companies. From a financial perspective, such transactions can affect liquidity, balance sheet strength and future revenue streams. The sale may result in an immediate influx of capital for West Fraser, which could be used for debt reduction, reinvestment in core business areas, or shareholder returns. Conversely, for Mondi Group, the acquisition cost impacts its cash reserves and debt levels but potentially adds a valuable asset that could contribute to its revenue growth and diversification of its product portfolio.

Investors should monitor West Fraser's subsequent quarterly reports to assess how the sale proceeds are allocated and to gauge the impact on the company's financial health. For Mondi, the integration of the mill into its operations and the realization of any synergies will be key factors to watch in the coming financial periods.

Market Research Analyst

The pulp and paper industry is characterized by high capital intensity and cyclical demand. The sale of the Hinton Pulp mill could indicate West Fraser's strategic shift to optimize its asset base and focus on more profitable or core areas of its business. For Mondi, acquiring the mill may be a strategic expansion into the North American market or a move to increase its capacity in unbleached kraft pulp, which is commonly used in packaging—a sector experiencing growth due to e-commerce trends.

Market participants should consider the competitive dynamics of the industry and how this acquisition might alter the market share or bargaining power of Mondi Group. Additionally, the long-term fibre supply agreement with West Fraser ensures operational continuity for the mill, which could be a stabilizing factor for the product's market price and supply.

Legal Expert

The completion of the sale following Canadian regulatory reviews suggests that the transaction has passed antitrust and competition hurdles, which is essential for maintaining a fair competitive landscape in the industry. The satisfaction of customary closing conditions indicates thorough due diligence, reducing the risk of post-acquisition legal disputes. Stakeholders should be aware that such transactions are subject to complex legal agreements, which often include provisions to mitigate risks associated with the transfer of ownership, such as environmental liabilities or labour issues.

It is important for investors to understand that regulatory approval is a critical step in such sales and can influence the timing and certainty of transaction completion. The successful closure without regulatory pushback might reflect the transaction's compliance with industry norms and the absence of monopolistic concerns, which can be reassuring for both companies' stakeholders.

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. ("West Fraser" or the "Company") (TSX and NYSE: WFG) announced today that the Company has completed the sale of its Hinton Pulp mill to Mondi Group plc ("Mondi") following completion of Canadian regulatory reviews and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

"We would like to thank our dedicated employees, the community of Hinton, and the Government of Alberta, for their efforts in helping close this transaction," said Sean McLaren, President & CEO West Fraser. "The future of the Hinton Pulp mill is bright."

Hinton Pulp produces unbleached kraft pulp. West Fraser will continue to support the mill through a long-term fibre supply agreement.

About West Fraser 
West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. From responsibly sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, the Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other residuals, and renewable energy. West Fraser's products are used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials. For more information about West Fraser, visit www.westfraser.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, the expected future of the Hinton Pulp mill and realization of expected benefits from completion of the acquisition, including the continued support of the Hinton Pulp mill through a long‑term fibre supply agreement. Any such forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are based on assumptions and analyses made by us considering our experience and our perception of historical trends and current conditions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties including risks associated with the long‑term fibre supply agreement, including credit and counterparty risk and our ability to successfully complete regulatory reviews and satisfy closing conditions, including requisite regulatory approvals, and the potential impact of the announcement or completion of the transaction on relationships, including regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors. Readers should also refer to the risk factors set forth in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, each dated February 14, 2023, as updated in our management's discussion and analysis for the nine months ended September 29, 2023, dated October 25, 2023, each available at SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml). There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which forward-looking statements are based will be realized. Actual results may differ, and the difference may be material and adverse to the Company and its shareholders. Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/west-fraser-announces-closure-of-hinton-pulp-sale-302052417.html

SOURCE West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.

What company did West Fraser sell its Hinton Pulp mill to?

West Fraser sold its Hinton Pulp mill to Mondi Group plc.

What type of pulp does Hinton Pulp produce?

Hinton Pulp produces unbleached kraft pulp.

Who is the President & CEO of West Fraser?

Sean McLaren is the President & CEO of West Fraser.

What is the ticker symbol for West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.?

The ticker symbol for West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. is WFG.

What type of agreement will West Fraser continue to provide support through?

West Fraser will continue to support the Hinton Pulp mill through a long-term fibre supply agreement.