Tembec to Sell Two French Pulp Mills to Paper Excellence

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Tembec, Temiscaming, Que., Canada, this week announced that its European subsidiary, Tembec SAS, is in advanced negotiations with Paper Excellence B.V. for the sale of two kraft pulp mills located in Tarascon and Saint-Gaudens, France. This potential transaction would be the culmination of a process first announced in November 2009.

As currently proposed, Paper Excellence B.V. would acquire 100% of the shares of Tembec Saint-Gaudens SAS and Tembec Tarascon SAS, two subsidiaries of Tembec SAS. Total consideration for the proposed transaction would be approximately EUR 100 million (C$137 million), allocated as between shares and assumption of debt, subject to closing working capital adjustments.

Due to the advanced nature of the negotiations, Tembec SAS has initiated the process of consultation with mill employee committees, as required under French Law. Tembec SAS expects to finalize the transaction shortly after the consultation process is complete.

"This contemplated transaction is consistent with the Strategic Plan launched by the company following the February 2008 recapitalization of our balance sheet and, in our view, represents fair value for these assets," said James Lopez, president and CEO of Tembec.