MEAD CORP. ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THEY INTEND TO PURCHASE THE CARBONLESS COATING OPERATIONS OF MOORE NORTH AMERICA, INC. THE TRANSACTION, EXPECTED TO CLOSE IN THE FORTH QUARTER, WILL INCLUDE MOORE’S FREMONT, OHIO COATING FACILITY AND COATING EQUIPMENT FROM ITS VISALA, CALIFORNIA FACILITY. WHEN THE DEAL IS COMPLETE, MEAD’S ANNUAL PRODUCTION CAPACITY FOR CARBONLESS PAPER WILL INCREASE FROM 230,000 TONS TO MORE THAN 290,000 TONS. MEAD PAPER’S OHIO OPERATIONS WILL MANAGE THE ACQUIRED ASSETS ALONG WITH ITS OWN CARBONLESS FACILITIES IN CHILLICOTHE, OHIO AND INDIANAPOLIS. ACCORDING TO JERRY TATAR, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, “THIS ASSET ACQUISITION WILL FACILITATE OUR EFFORTS TO RATIONALIZE AND STREAMLINE OUR CARBONLESS PAPER PRODUCTION SYSTEM, ENHANCING OUR POSITION IN A CONSOLIDATING MARKET.