Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, Wash., USA, and Plum Creek, Seattle, Wash., this week announced they will merge to create the world's premier timber, land, and forest products company with more than 13 million acres of the most productive and diverse timberland in the U.S. At closing, the combined company is expected to have an equity value of $23 billion based on current share prices. The combined EBITDA for both companies in 2014 was $2.2 billion. Both companies are real estate investment trusts.

 

Under terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Plum Creek shareholders will receive 1.60 shares of Weyerhaeuser for each share of Plum Creek held. This fixed exchange ratio represents an implied premium of 13.8% to the 30-trading-day Volume Weighted Average Price ratio of Plum Creek shares to Weyerhaeuser shares. Following closing, Weyerhaeuser and Plum Creek shareholders will own approximately 65% and 35%, respectively, of the combined company's common stock. 

Weyerhaeuser intends to execute a $2.5 billion share repurchase shortly after closing. The repurchase will result in a net financial impact on the company that is as if the deal were structured with approximately 70% stock and 30% cash. The combined company expects to maintain Weyerhaeuser's current annual dividend of $1.24 per common share, representing a 13% dividend increase to the dividend currently received by Plum Creek shareholders.

 "With an extraordinary set of combined assets and the proven value creation records of both Weyerhaeuser and Plum Creek, the combined company will offer a compelling opportunity for shareholders," said Rick R. Holley, CEO of Plum Creek. "These two companies are already best-in-class timberland managers with a relentless focus on sustainable resource management. The breadth and diversity of our combined land and timber assets uniquely position the new company to capitalize fully on the improving housing market, continue to capture higher and better use land values across the combined portfolio, and create additional opportunities to build lasting value. Doyle Simons and I share a commitment to disciplined capital allocation and sustained value creation, and I look forward to working together as we build a great new company."

Doyle R. Simons, president and CEO of Weyerhaeuser, said that "we're excited to combine the two leaders in our industry to create the world's premier timber, land, and forest products company. This new company will create tremendous benefit for shareholders as we drive value through shared best practices, economies of scale, cost synergies, operational excellence, and disciplined capital allocation. Our customers and employees will also benefit as we form a winning team with common values and unparalleled expertise in timber, land, and manufacturing. I have the utmost respect for Rick Holley and the Plum Creek team and look forward to working together to successfully integrate these two outstanding companies."

  

The merger of Weyerhaeuser and Plum Creek creates a winning combination with: 

• The largest private ownership of timberland in the U.S. 
• More than 13 million acres of diverse, productive forests 
• The ability to drive performance through shared best practices and economies of scale 
• A unique ability to capitalize on the housing recovery 
• Significant Higher and Better Use potential across the combined portfolio 
• A best-in-class management team 
• A recognized commitment to sustainable resource management 
• Low-cost manufacturing assets 
• A strong balance sheet and a commitment to an investment grade credit rating 
• Anticipated annual cost synergies of $100 million 
• Accretion to per-share Funds Available for Distribution in the first full year following closing 
• An attractive dividend 
• A disciplined approach to capital allocation.

Rick Holley will serve as non-executive chairman of Weyerhaeuser's board, which will be expanded to 13 directors. Eight directors will be from Weyerhaeuser (including Simons) and five directors will be from Plum Creek (including Holley). 

Doyle Simons will serve as president and CEO of the combined company. Upon closing, the executive team will include:

• Rhonda Hunter, SVP, Timberlands 
• Tom Lindquist, EVP, Real Estate, Energy, and Natural Resources 
• Adrian Blocker, SVP, Wood Products 
• Russell Hagen, SVP, CFO 
• Devin Stockfish, SVP, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary 
• Denise Merle, SVP, Human Resources 
• Tim Punke, SVP, Corporate Affairs.

"We've drawn from the best talent in each company to select a leadership team with unmatched expertise in the industry," said Simons. "I'm confident these are the right leaders to take best practices from both companies to achieve our targets, serve our customers, and drive shareholder value over the long term."

The transaction requires the approval of shareholders of both Weyerhaeuser and Plum Creek and is subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in late first quarter or early second quarter of 2016. The combined company will retain the Weyerhaeuser name and continue to be traded under the WY ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange. As previously announced, Weyerhaeuser intends to move its headquarters to Seattle in mid-2016.