<B>Willamette Hopes to Give Opinion Next Week</b>

Willamette Industries Inc. expects to advise its shareholders next week about its position on Weyerhaeuser's $5.4 billion hostile takeover offer.

Weyerhaeuser last week formally launched its bid for Willamette, valuing the company's 112.5 million shares at $48 each. It took the bid directly to shareholders in a cash tender offer after Willamette's board last month rejected an unsolicited approach.

Willamette's board has not been able to make a recommendation about the offer "because it has not yet completed a full and deliberate review of the material terms and provisions of the Weyerhaeuser offer," according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Willamette has said the bid does not reflect its value or growth potential but Wall Street experts widely believe the company will eventually cave in to Weyerhaeuser, based in Federal Way, Wash., at a price above $50 a share.

Willamette said its board is awaiting complete advice from its management as well as legal and financial advisers. Reuters