Papermakers aim for strength through union.

This article focuses on the announcement by Great Northern Paper Co. of its plan to merge with Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Co. The merger deal was unexpected by industry observers as at a cursory glance the deal was not rational. However Great Northern chairman Peter S. Paine and Nekoosa president Samuel A. Casey believe that the merger is a fit for the companies. It discusses the advantages of the merged companies as opposed to non-merger.