International Paper (IP) ]has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Weyerhaeuser's pulp business. Under terms of the agreement, IP will acquire five pulp mills and two converting facilities that produce fluff pulp, softwood pulp, and specialty pulp for a number of consumer applications including diapers, other hygiene products, tissue, and textiles.

Because the transaction is a purchase of assets, International Paper expects to realize a tax benefit with an estimated net present value of approximately $300 million. Including this benefit, the net price is approximately $1.9 billion. International Paper forecasts annual synergies of approximately $175 million by the end of 2018, which will require the need for one-time costs of approximately $85 million.

"Weyerhaeuser's pulp business has an outstanding customer base served from low-cost, well-run assets that complement our existing system and offers significant synergy opportunities," says International Paper chairman and CEO Mark Sutton. "This transaction will position us as the premier global supplier of fluff pulp and will enhance our ability to generate additional free cash flow. We look forward to working with the talented employees of Weyerhaeuser as we integrate our businesses and create an even stronger company."

Weyerhaeuser's pulp business has approximately 1900 employees throughout the U.S. (Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina), Canada and Poland. The combined business will provide the company flexibility to manage a wide portfolio of products to meet customer needs.

The acquisition is expected to close in the 4th quarter of 2016, subject to certain closing conditions, primarily the receipt of regulatory approval.