MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International
Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced it has entered into an agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (NYSE: PRU) to
purchase a group annuity contract and transfer approximately $1.3 billion of International Paper's
U.S. qualified pension plan projected benefit obligations.
The transaction will be funded with pension plan assets, and at the end of 2017, Prudential will assume responsibility for
pension benefits and annuity administration for approximately 45,000 former employees or their beneficiaries receiving less than
$450 in monthly benefit payments from the plan. The transaction is expected to close on
October 3, 2017, subject to customary closing conditions.
There will be no change to the pension benefits for any plan participants as a result of the transaction. Retirees and
beneficiaries who will be covered by this transaction will be receiving individualized information packages with further details
and answers to frequently asked questions.
"First and foremost we are committed to ensuring our retirees' benefits are secure and maintained. This transaction achieves
that goal, while at the same time enabling International Paper to better manage future costs associated with our pension plan,"
said Glenn R. Landau, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "We have carefully
selected a highly-rated, experienced retirement benefits provider, and our retirees should feel good about this transaction."
As a result of the transaction, the Company expects to recognize a non-cash pension settlement charge of approximately
$400 million before tax ($247 million after tax) in the fourth
quarter of 2017.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL PAPER
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with
manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America,
Europe, North Africa and Russia. We produce packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable world-wide commerce; pulp
for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products that promote health and Wellness; papers that facilitate education and
communication; and paper bags, cups and food containers that provide convenience and portability. We are headquartered in
Memphis, Tenn., and employ approximately 55,000 colleagues located in more than 24 countries.
Net sales for 2016 were $21 billion. For more information about International Paper, our products
and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.
Certain statements in this press release are or may be considered forward-looking statements, such as statements relating
to the financial impact of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement. These statements reflect Company management's current
views and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or
implied in these statements. Factors which could cause actual results to differ include but are not limited to (i) the
successful fulfillment or waiver of all closing conditions contained in the Agreement without unexpected delays or conditions;
(ii) the successful closing of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement within the estimated timeframe; (iii) the failure
to realize the expected benefits from the transaction or delay in realization thereof; (iv) the amount and timing of the expected
settlement charge; and (v) other factors that can be found in the Company's press releases and Securities and Exchange Commission
filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
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SOURCE International Paper