Clearwater Paper Acquires Manchester Industries

Clearwater Paper Corp., Spokane, Wash., USA, this week announced that it has acquired Manchester Industries of Richmond, Va., a leading, independently-owned paperboard sales, sheeting, and distribution supplier to the packaging and commercial print industries. 

Clearwater Paper has acquired Manchester Industries in a cash transaction from PaperWorks Industries, an integrated full-service packaging provider for a purchase price of $68.25 million. With approximately 170 full-time employees, Manchester Industries operates five facilities located in Richmond; Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Hagerstown, Ind.; Dallas, Texas; and Mendon, Mich. Clearwater Paper believes the acquisition will be immediately accretive. 

"Manchester Industries offers an excellent range of converting services that include custom sheeting, slitting, and cutting," said Linda Massman, president and CEO of Clearwater Paper. "These five plants are expected to be a valuable asset for Clearwater Paper as we look to extend our reach and service platform to the small and mid-sized folding carton plants. On behalf of Clearwater Paper, we welcome Manchester Industries’ employees to our team."

 

FBR Capital Markets & Co., led by Matthew Spain, advised Clearwater Paper on the acquisition. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP acted as legal advisor to Clearwater Paper. 

Clearwater Paper produces quality consumer tissue, away-from-home tissue, parent roll tissue, bleached paperboard, and pulp at facilities across the nation. The company is a supplier of private label tissue to major retailers and wholesale distributors, including grocery, drug, mass merchants, and discount stores. In addition, the company produces bleached paperboard used by quality-conscious printers and packaging converters. Clearwater Paper's employees build shareholder value by developing strong customer partnerships through quality and service. 

Founded in 2008, PaperWorks Industries Inc. (PWI) is an integrated North American full-service packaging provider of recycled paperboard and specialized folding cartons. The company is committed to the highest sustainable forestry and procurement standards. Product certifications include the Forest Stewardship Council, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification.