Verso Corporation (OTCQB: VRSZ) has just announced that it has sold one of its subsidiaries, Verso Androscoggin Power LLC (VAP), to Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, LLC, for a purchase price of approximately $62 million in cash. VAP owns four hydroelectric generation facilities associated with Verso's Androscoggin pulp and paper mill located in Jay, Maine. The parties contemporaneously entered into a purchase agreement and consummated the transaction.
The sale of VAP is part of Verso's efforts to raise funds to address its previously disclosed cash flow and liquidity concerns. Verso continues to evaluate other potential asset sales in connection with its exploration of various debt restructuring alternatives.
The sale of VAP is expected to have no impact on the operations of the Androscoggin mill. The mill purchased electricity from VAP before the transaction, and it will continue to do so with VAP now under Eagle Creek's ownership. Moreover, the mill operates its own energy cogeneration facilities - consisting of two recovery boilers, a biomass boiler, three steam turbines, and three gas turbines - and also purchases electricity from Central Maine Power Company. Most importantly, the sale will not affect the Androscoggin mill's ability to manufacture its high-quality products and will not cause any interruption in serving its customers.
About Verso
Verso Corporation is the turn-to company for those looking to successfully navigate the complexities of paper sourcing and performance. The leading North American producer of printing and specialty papers and pulp, Verso provides insightful solutions that help drive improved customer efficiency, productivity, brand awareness and business results. Verso's long-standing reputation for quality and reliability is directly tied to our vision to be a company with passion that is respected and trusted by all. Verso's passion is rooted in ethical business practices that demand safe workplaces for our employees and sustainable wood sourcing for our products. This passion, combined with our flexible manufacturing capabilities and an unmatched commitment to product performance, delivery and service, make Verso a preferred choice among commercial printers, paper merchants and brokers, converters, publishers and other end users. For more information, visit us online at versoco.com.
About Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, LLC (www.eaglecreekre.com) is an owner, operator and developer of hydroelectric generation facilities and provides safe, clean, economic renewable energy to electricity consumers in the U.S. Eagle Creek currently owns and operates in excess of 130 MW from 47 facilities. Eagle Creek was founded in 2010, is privately owned and is headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey.