Cascades sells fine paper business

The paper company Cascades Inc., headquartered in Kingsey Falls, Quebec, has reached an agreement with Rolland Enterprises Inc., a subsidiary of H.I.G. Capital, with U.S. headquarters in Miami, for the sale of Cascades’ fine papers activities for $39.5 million (US$37.15 million).

The units covered by this transaction include:
 

The three units will operate under the name Rolland Enterprises Inc. The current management team will remain in place in order to ensure an orderly transition. In accordance with the terms of the transaction, Cascades will continue to work with the new owner for the procurement of recovered fiber, and to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership for employees, customers and suppliers.

“Despite the positive contribution of these units to Cascades’ results, we have adopted a strategic orientation emphasizing growth in the packaging, tissue papers and recovery sectors. The decision announced today will allow us to reduce debt and further focus our resources in these strategic sectors,” says Cascades President and CEO Mario Plourde.

“Cascades has found in H.I.G. Capital a purchaser willing to maintain the operations and ensure the development of the units,” notes Luc Langevin, president and COO of Cascades Specialty Products Group. “It is not without regret that we part with these business units, however, given our stated strategic orientation, we believe this transaction will allow them to better pursue their development initiatives and thereby continue to promote the Rolland brand all around the world. For its part, the Specialty Products Group of Cascades will continue to concentrate its development in the industrial and consumer packaging products sectors as well as in recycling.”