Verso Paper buys NewPage for $1.6 billion, combining 7 mills with over 10 million tons annual wood consumption.

The article reports on the agreement between coated paper producer Verso Paper Corp. and printing and specialty paper manufacturer NewPage Corp. that the former will acquire the latter for $1.6 billion. Details on the arrangement of the acquisition are discussed. An overview of the specialty paper producer is provided. Particular focus is given to the analysis of a forest products industry expert on the economic impact of the buyout on Rumford, Maine, where the NewPage's mill is located.