UPM sells 2,500 ha of Finnish forest

UPM has signed a contract with Catella to sell a 2,500 hectares forest entity located in Ylöjärvi in Finland. The agreement covers a long term wood purchase and forest management contract, as well. In autumn 2009 the companies agreed on sales of a 2,115 hectares forest entity located in Rautalampi in Finland.

Catella is an independent European finance group managing the Focus Global Forest CFGF investment fund specialised in forest property. Focus Global Forest CFGF includes forest areas acquired from different countries. For Catella forest is a long term investment offering a stable profit.

"The forests we purchased are well managed and we are confident that this will continue − it’s in our mutual interest," says Ernest Dochnal, who manages Catella's forest property in Finland. "The long term wood purchasing and forest management contract included in the agreement makes it easy for us to keep them in good, productive shape."

UPM offered in February 2009 for sale in total some 30,000 hectares of forests which are outside the areas where most of UPM’s forests are located. The company looked for partners committed to long term forest ownership. Offers have been given by private persons, Finnish communities and foreign investors. This fits well with UPM's aim to promote a more versatile forest ownership structure in Finland.