*BillerudKorsnäs has entered into an agreement to acquire Verso for a purchase price of approximately USD 825 million in cash, corresponding to USD 27.00 per share. *Verso is a leading producer of coated papers in North America with reported net sales for the last twelve months ended 30 September 2021 of USD 1 264 million and adjusted EBITDA of USD 158 million. *The purchase price corresponds to an enterprise value / adjusted EBITDA multiple of approximately 6x for the last twelve months ended 30 September 2021. The acquisition will immediately be accretive to earnings per share and create significant shareholder value over time with a more profitable product mix. *BillerudKorsnäs will build one of the most cost-efficient and sustainable paperboard platforms in North America by converting some of Verso’s assets into paperboard machines with an estimated capex of up to SEK 9 billion. *The acquisition and transformation will be financed through a combination of a rights issue of up to SEK 3.5 billion, additional debt and operating cash flow. *The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to the approval of Verso’s shareholders as well as the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the global launch of Polar Frost Air, a new translucent matte polymeric PVC film with an embossed pearl finish that becomes the latest addition to the Polar product range. Suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor applications, Polar Frost Air features a subtle embossed finish that replicates the elegant look of etched glass but at a more affordable price point. Coated with a clear permanent adhesive that is protected by a two-sided PE coated release liner with bubble-free technology, this makes installation both simple and clean for the user.

UPM will permanently cease production at its Chapelle newsprint mill in Grand-Couronne, France today. The consultation process with employee representatives was completed on June 15th, 2020 according to French legislation and approved by French authorities on July 15th, 2020. The closure impacts 228 people. UPM offers support to employees in order to alleviate the effects caused by staff reductions in relation to the closing of the mill. With the closure of the mill UPM will reduce a total of 240.000 tonnes of its newsprint paper capacity.