Fletcher Challenge Forests Expects Strong Interest In CNIFP Assets
Auckland, 31 July 2001 - Fletcher Challenge Forests welcomed the advancement of the sales process for the Central North
Island Forest Partnership with the announcement today of sales adviser, Morgan Stanley, by Receivers Mr Michael Stiassny
and Mr Grant Graham of Ferrier Hodgson.
Chief Executive Terry McFadgen said "Fletcher Challenge Forests has a major financial stake in the Partnership as holder
of the subordinated debt and we will be working with the Receivers and Morgan Stanley to ensure a successful outcome for
the sales process."
"The Partnership's assets are highly attractive because of the quality of the infrastructure in the Central North
Island, the maturity of the forest estate and the growth rates of Radiata pine in this area," he commented. He also
noted that the estate's international environmental certification from the Forest Stewardship Council was a major
positive. "This forest is one of the best in the world," he said, "and will attract global interest."
Mr McFadgen confirmed that Fletcher Challenge Forests was reviewing a number of options in relation to the sale process.
"We have been approached by several parties and are exploring alternatives at this stage," he said. "These parties
recognise our management capabilities, our financial interest in the estate and our leadership role in the region as
both a forest owner and a major processor and marketer of wood products."
Please Note: If you do not receive page(s) including this page, or if any page is not readable, please call the sender
immediately on telephone 64-9-571 9814. Further information on Fletcher Challenge Forests can be viewed at the Fletcher
Challenge Forests web site, at http://www.fcf.co.nz
He noted that Fletcher Challenge Forests had appointed CS First Boston as advisors to the company in relation to the
sale.
Receivers were appointed to the Partnership, of which Fletcher Challenge Forests and CITIC New Zealand Limited each own
50 per cent, in March 2001. All Fletcher Challenge Forests' equity in the Partnership has been written off, and the
company's remaining investment is represented exclusively by subordinated debt principal and net accrued interest of
US$225 million (NZ$500 million). The investment is secured over the assets of the Partnership, ranking behind
approximately US$645 million of senior bank debt.
Ends.