International Paper announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its 50% interest in Ilim SA, the holding company for its Ilim joint venture (JV), to its JV partners for $484MM (USD) equity value. The sale is subject to regulatory approvals in Russia. This transaction indicates ~$3.5 billion in total enterprise value (TEV) for Ilim based on a ~3.1X EBITDA multiple on 2022 full-year results*. The Company also received an indication of interest from its JV partners to purchase all of the Company's shares (constituting a 2.39% stake) in JSC Ilim Group for $24MM (USD) on terms and conditions to be agreed. The Company intends to pursue an agreement to sell the JSC Ilim Group shares, and to divest other non-material residual interests associated with Ilim, to its JV partners.

Paper Excellence announced that it recently donated 9,000 jack pine seedlings to the James Smith Cree Nation. James Smith Cree Nation is located on Treaty 6 territory, approximately 60 kilometres east of Prince Albert. The jack pine is native to Saskatchewan and produces excellent habitat for local plant and animal species. The seedlings planted this year will grow to become a forest on the James Smith Cree reserve. “Paper Excellence understands the importance of being good neighbours and greatly values its relationships with Indigenous communities,” said Carlo Dal Monte, Vice President Energy and Strategic Development for Paper Excellence. “We’re pleased to be able to make this donation to the James Smith Cree Nation and, in a small way, support their connection to the land and desire to invest in sustainable forestry.”

On June 30, 2017, Orchids Paper Products Company entered into Amendment No. 5 to its Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 25, 2015 by and among the Company, U.S. Bank National Association and the other lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement Amendment, among other things, struck the fixed charge coverage for the period ended June 30, 2017, thereby also waiving a requirement for a Cash Reserve, as defined in the Credit Agreement, to be funded by that date. Covenants for future periods remain unchanged from the prior amendment. Additionally, the Company agreed not to make any dividend or other distribution payment with respect to its equity unless the Company has achieved a Leverage Ratio of less than 4.0:1.0 for two consecutive fiscal quarters and no Default or Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) exists or would exist following such payment. The amount and timing of dividend payments otherwise remains subject to the judgment and approval of the Board of Directors. Click Read More below for additional detail.