International Paper to sell Kwidzyn mill in Poland

International Paper has entered into an agreement to sell the Kwidzyn pulp and paper mill and supporting operations to Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG for €670 million (approximately $812 million) in cash, subject to closing adjustments for net debt and net working capital.

The Kwidzyn mill employs approximately 2,300 people and has the annual capacity to produce 740,000 metric tons of folding boxboard, uncoated freesheet, specialty kraft papers, and market pulp on four machines.

On December 3, 2020, International Paper announced its intention to spin off its Printing Papers business into a standalone, publicly-traded company in order to focus on its corrugated packaging and absorbent fibers businesses. The sale of Kwidzyn provides an opportunity for International Paper to realize a premium value and significant incremental cash proceeds, but otherwise does not change its plans for the proposed spin-off.

International Paper will engage in a consultation process with the appropriate employee representatives and expects the transaction to close in the third quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.