Abitibi-Consolidated and Bowater agree to merge.

Abitibi-Consolidated and Bowater have announced a definitive agreement to merge. The combined company, which will be called AbitibiBowater, Inc., will have annual revenues of approximately US$7.9 billion, making it the 3rd largest publicly traded paper and forest company in North America, and the 8th largest in the world.

AbitibiBowater will also be one of the world's leading consumers of recycled newspapers and magazines, as it builds on the existing efforts of both companies to be leaders in environmentally sustainable products.

AbitibiBowater's combined product lines will include coated and uncoated groundwood papers and newsprint. As you can see from the chart below there is very little grade crossover. As a result, the new company will be able to offer a much larger selection of products without cannibalizing its already established business. We feel this is a great move—especially since we represent both mills and are already familiar with their excellent product offerings.

If you're currently using any of the papers listed above, please contact your Frank Parsons America national accounts manager to find out how these changes may affect you.

[Click here to visit AbitibiBowater's merger information page]

Introducing our new direct mail program. Frank Parsons America is proud to announce our new direct mail program. Each month we'll feature a different publication paper, printing technology, money saving tip, or one of our own paper tools. And the best part—it's free! Simply visit this page and complete the Mailing List section—then look for the big blue envelope in next month's mail.

Did you get the paper you ordered? Find out with a FREE Frank Parsons Groundwood Test Kit. Although some paper characteristics like color, weight, and finish are easy to discern, trying to determine how a paper was made is a lot more challenging, even for a trained paper expert. But why is this important? Imagine this. You just received a copy of your new winter catalog and it looks great. After a few days you notice that the snow scene on the cover is no longer white, it's yellow, and so are the model's smiles. Hey, these catalogs were supposed to last an entire season. What’s going on?  [Click here to find out what happened and to order your free groundwood test kit]