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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K/A

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 22, 2004

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Washington
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

000-9409
(Commission File Number)
  91-6087550
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

14900 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 282, Seattle, WA 98168
(Address of Office)

(206) 674-4639
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

        This Amendment No. 1 amends the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2004 to provide the additional disclosure set forth in Item 1.01 and the financial statements and pro forma financial information and exhibits as set forth in Item 9.01.

ITEM 1.01    ENTRY INTO A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT

        On November 22, 2004, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire, referred to as the "Acquisition", substantially all of the assets of Stone Venepal (Celgar) Pulp Inc., referred to as "Celgar". The assets to be acquired are substantially all of the operating assets of Celgar, which are comprised primarily of a pulp mill, referred to as the "Celgar mill", located at Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada and include real property, plant and equipment, personal property, leaseholds, contractual obligations and intellectual property. We are not acquiring certain assets of Celgar comprised principally of finished goods inventory, receivables, cash on hand and certain insurance claims. We will assume various employment, pension and benefit, asset retirement and contractual obligations of Celgar. We are not assuming any obligations for any current liabilities of Celgar as at the date of closing, except for certain accrued employee liabilities, or any indebtedness of Celgar, whether incurred pre or post-bankruptcy. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the asset purchase agreement previously filed with the initial Current Report on Form 8-K which this Amendment No. 1 amends.

        The Celgar mill is a modern producer of northern bleached softwood kraft pulp, referred to as "NBSK pulp", with a current annual production capacity of approximately 430,000 air dried metric tonnes, referred to as "ADMTs". The purchase price for the Celgar mill, excluding an amount for defined working capital on closing, is $210 million, of which $170 million is payable in cash and $40 million is payable in our shares. We intend to finance the cash portion of the purchase price through the issuance of debt securities, our shares of beneficial interest and/or preferred stock. In addition to the factors affecting our company and our industry generally which are set forth in greater detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, the risks outlined below relating to the Acquisition could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Any failure to successfully integrate the Celgar mill with our business may adversely affect our results of operations. Our future performance will depend in part on whether we can integrate the Celgar mill with our operations in an effective and efficient manner. The Acquisition is larger than any of the other acquisitions we have made. Integrating the Celgar mill with our operations will be a complex, time consuming and potentially expensive process and will be subject to various risks including:


        All of the pulp produced by the Celgar mill is currently sold by third party agents. We intend to perform some of its sales functions directly over time. We cannot assure you that our internal sales staff and third party agents will be able to sell the combined pulp production of our Rosenthal and Stendal mills and the Celgar mill on terms as favorable as those achieved by the existing agents.

        We estimate that we will incur significant costs associated with the assimilation of the Celgar mill with our operations. The actual costs may substantially exceed our estimates and unanticipated expenses associated with such integration may arise. Furthermore, we may not be aware of all of the risks associated with the Acquisition and we may not have identified adverse information concerning the assets we are acquiring. If the benefits of the Acquisition do not exceed the costs, our financial results will be adversely affected.

        We cannot guarantee that we will successfully integrate the Celgar mill with our operations. If we are unable to address any of these risks, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected and the operations of the Celgar mill may not achieve the results or otherwise perform as expected.

        The operations of the Celgar mill are subject to their own risks, which we may not be able to manage successfully. The financial results of the Celgar mill are subject to many of the same factors that affect our financial condition and results of operations, including the cyclical nature of the pulp and paper business, exposure to interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations, exposure to liability for environmental damage, the competitive nature of our markets and regulatory, legislative and judicial developments. The financial results of the Celgar mill could be materially adversely affected as a result of any of these or other related factors, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition on a consolidated basis.

        We have only limited recourse under the acquisition agreement for losses relating to the Acquisition. The diligence conducted in connection with the Acquisition and the indemnification provided in the acquisition agreement may not be sufficient to protect us from, or compensate us for, all losses resulting from the Acquisition. Subject to certain exceptions, the maximum amount we may claim is limited to $30.0 million ($20.0 million in the case of environmental losses). Subject to certain exceptions, the vendor is only liable for misrepresentations or breaches of warranty for 15 months from the closing date of the Acquisition (12 months in the case of environmental losses). A material loss associated with the Acquisition for which there is no adequate remedy under the acquisition agreement that becomes known 15 months after the Acquisition (12 months in the case of environmental losses) could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and reduce the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition.

        We may not be able to enhance the operating performance and financial results or lower the costs of the Celgar mill as planned. While we believe that there are a number of opportunities to reduce operating costs, increase production and improve the financial results of the Celgar mill, we cannot fully evaluate the feasibility of our plans until we control the Celgar mill. We may not be able to achieve our planned operating improvements, cost reductions, capacity increases or improved price realizations in our expected time periods, if at all. In addition, some of the improvements that we hope to achieve depend upon capital expenditure projects that we plan to implement at the Celgar mill. Such capital projects may not be completed in our expected time periods, if at all, may not achieve the results that we have estimated or may have a cost substantially in excess of our planned amounts.

        Our completion of the Acquisition depends upon the receipt of financing.    We must negotiate the terms and the definitive documentation for the financing of the Acquisition. Our obligations under the asset purchase agreement relating to the Acquisition are conditional upon having financing satisfactory to us in place. For regulatory and other reasons, we may not be successful in obtaining financing on reasonable terms, if at all. If we cannot obtain sources of financing acceptable to us, we would be unable to complete the Acquisition.

2


        If we fail to complete the Acquisition, we will not realize any of the potential benefits described herein. Although we have entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire the Celgar mill, we have not completed the transaction. The asset purchase agreement contains a number of conditions that must be satisfied before we can complete the transaction, some of which are outside our control. As a result, we cannot assure you when, or whether, the Acquisition will be completed. If the Acquisition is not completed, we will not realize any of the potential benefits described herein.

Acquisition Rationale

        The Acquisition of the Celgar mill reflects our strategy of acquiring world-class NBSK pulp production capacity on terms below comparable replacement cost where we can use our management focus to enhance operations, improve profitability and create value for our stakeholders. It provides us with several strategic benefits and synergies, including the following:

        Given our management team's experience in converting and optimizing the Rosenthal mill, constructing the Stendal mill and starting up these large scale NBSK pulp mills, we believe we are well positioned to integrate the Celgar mill into our operations and improve its operating and financial performance over time. We have identified teams of individuals in our organization, at the Celgar mill and from our consulting engineers that, upon the closing of the Acquisition, will initiate the process of integrating the Celgar mill and enhancing its operations.

Acquisition Opportunities

        Although the Celgar mill is a modern facility that has generally been well maintained, it has been operated by a trustee in bankruptcy since 1998. As a result, we believe the Celgar mill has not performed at its full potential and that there are a number of opportunities to enhance its performance. Although we will not know the full potential until we control the Celgar mill, we are currently targeting C$25 million in annual operating margin improvements over a three-year period, based on current pricing levels. This is expected to be achieved by capitalizing on the following opportunities:

3


        We estimate the aggregate amount to be spent on the foregoing capital projects to be approximately C$25 million over a three-year period.

ITEM 9.01    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(a)
Financial Statements of Business Acquired
(b)
Pro Forma Financial Information

4


(c)
Exhibits

Exhibit No.

  Description
23.1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

5


Independent Registered Chartered Accountants' Report and
Financial Statements of

STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR)
PULP INC.
(In Bankruptcy)

December 31, 2003

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

F-1



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

To KPMG Inc.,
Trustee of the Estate of Stone Venepal (Celgar) Pulp Inc., In Bankruptcy

We have audited the balance sheets of Stone Venepal (Celgar) Pulp Inc. as at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the statements of loss and deficit and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). These standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2003 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, British Columbia
January 23, 2004 (except as to Notes 1 (c), 1 (d) and 12, which are as of December 8, 2004)


COMMENTS BY AUDITOR ON CANADA-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA REPORTING DIFFERENCE

The standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) require the addition of an explanatory paragraph when the financial statements are affected by conditions and events that cast substantial doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, such as those described in Note 1 (b) to the financial statements and when there is change in accounting policy as described in Note 1 (c). The accompanying financial statements do not purport to reflect or provide for the consequences of bankruptcy proceedings. In particular, such financial statements do not purport to show (a) as to assets, their realizable value on a liquidation basis, (b) as to pre-bankruptcy debt, the amounts that may be allocated for claims, or the status and priority thereof, or (c) as to operations, the effect of any changes that may be made in its business. As discussed in Note 1 (b), there is substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Although we conducted our audits in accordance with both Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), our report to KPMG Inc. dated January 23, 2004 (except as to Note 1(c), 1(d) and 12, which are as of December 8, 2004) is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting standards which do not permit a reference to such conditions and events in the auditors' report when these are adequately disclosed in the financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, British Columbia
January 23, 2004 (except as to Notes 1 (c), 1 (d) and 12, which are as of December 8, 2004)

F-2



STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC.
(In Bankruptcy)

BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2003
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (Restated —
Notes 1 (c)
and (d))

  (Restated —
Notes 1 (c)
and (d))

 
ASSETS              
CURRENT              
  Accounts receivable   $ 23,346   $ 25,361  
  Inventories (Note 3)     52,457     58,181  
  Prepaid expenses and other     1,134     1,119  
   
 
 
      76,937     84,661  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Note 4)     402,633     436,542  
   
 
 
    $ 479,570   $ 521,203  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES              
CURRENT              
  Bank indebtedness (Note 5)   $ 3,754   $ 10,102  
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     20,333     18,136  
  Current portion of obligation under capital leases (Note 7)     394     365  
   
 
 
      24,481     28,603  
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS     930     886  
PRE-BANKRUPTCY AND OTHER DEBT (Note 6)     1,119,280     1,194,125  
OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASES (Note 7)     374     675  
   
 
 
      1,145,065     1,224,289  
   
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY              
Share capital (Note 8)     17,800     17,800  
Deficit     (683,295 )   (720,886 )
   
 
 
      (665,495 )   (703,086 )
   
 
 
    $ 479,570   $ 521,203  
   
 
 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Note 1)
COMMITMENTS (Note 7)

ON BEHALF OF KPMG INC., TRUSTEE OF THE ESTATE OF STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC., IN BANKRUPTCY

By:   /s/  TODD M. MARTIN      
Senior Vice President
   

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

F-3



STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC.
(In Bankruptcy)

STATEMENT OF LOSS AND DEFICIT
Year ended December 31, 2003
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Restated —
Notes 1 (c)
and (d))

  (Restated —
Notes 1 (c)
and (d))

  (Restated —
Notes 1 (c)
and (d))

 
Sales   $ 271,566   $ 249,366   $ 246,139  
   
 
 
 
Operating expenses:                    
  Cost of products sold     230,555     213,602     239,938  
  Depreciation and amortization     39,225     38,932     38,966  
  General and administrative     38,069     30,642     25,877  
   
 
 
 
      307,849     283,176     304,781  
   
 
 
 
Operating loss     (36,283 )   (33,810 )   (58,642 )
   
 
 
 
Other income (expense)                    
  Short-term interest expense     (512 )   (921 )   (952 )
  Interest expense on term credit facility     (47,579 )   (50,798 )   (68,602 )
  Foreign exchange gain (loss) on term credit facility     121,965     5,950     (35,959 )
   
 
 
 
      73,874     (45,769 )   (105,513 )
   
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss) for the period     37,591     (79,579 )   (164,155 )
Deficit, beginning of period     (720,886 )   (641,307 )   (477,152 )
   
 
 
 
Deficit, end of period   $ (683,295 ) $ (720,886 ) $ (641,307 )
   
 
 
 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

F-4



STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC.
(In Bankruptcy)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31, 2003
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Restated —
Notes 1 (c)
and (d))

  (Restated —
Notes 1 (c)
and (d))

  (Restated —
Notes 1 (c)
and (d))

 
Cash provided by (used for):                    
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
  Net earnings (loss) for the period   $ 37,591   $ (79,579 ) $ (164,155 )
  Items not involving cash:                    
    Foreign exchange gain on pre-bankruptcy accounts payable     (84 )   (13 )    
    Increase in pension and other plans liability     966     877      
    Increase in pre-bankruptcy accounts payable             603  
    Foreign exchange loss (gain) on term credit facility     (121,965 )   (5,950 )   35,959  
    Interest on term credit facility     47,579     50,798     68,602  
    Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment     (45 )        
    Depreciation and amortization     39,225     38,932     38,966  
    Accretion expense     44     42     40  
  Net change in non-cash working capital items:                    
    Decrease in accounts receivable     2,015     495     1,304  
    Decrease in inventories     5,724     3,453     16,568  
    Increase in prepaid expenses     (15 )   (71 )   (336 )
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities     2,197     (899 )   (4,952 )
   
 
 
 
      13,232     8,085     (7,401 )
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                    
  Additions to property, plant and equipment     (5,201 )   (3,912 )   (6,262 )
  Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment     45          
   
 
 
 
      (5,156 )   (3,912 )   (6,262 )
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                    
  Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness     (6,348 )   (3,888 )   13,850  
  Principal repayments under capital lease obligations     (388 )   (285 )   (187 )
  Repayment of term credit facility     (1,340 )        
   
 
 
 
      (8,076 )   (4,173 )   13,663  
   
 
 
 
Net increase in cash position              
Cash position, beginning of period              
   
 
 
 
Cash position, end of period   $   $      
   
 
 
 
Supplemental information:                    
  Interest paid   $ 512   $ 921   $  
   
 
 
 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

F-5



STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC.
(In Bankruptcy)


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ended December 31, 2003
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

1.     BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

F-6


2.     SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

F-7


Assets
  Rate
Buildings   21/2%
Machinery and equipment   4%
Computer and automotive equipment and start-up costs   20%

F-8


3.     INVENTORIES

 
  2003
  2002
Pulpwood and chips   $ 7,960   $ 11,462
Other raw materials and supplies     15,053     14,556
Work-in-process and finished goods     29,444     32,163
   
 
    $ 52,457   $ 58,181
   
 

F-9


4.     PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 
  2003
  2002
 
  Cost
  Accumulated
Depreciation

  Net Book
Value

  Net Book
Value

Buildings   $ 70,053   $ 19,264   $ 50,789   $ 51,314
Machinery and equipment     874,835     364,229     510,606     541,019
Computer and automotive equipment     2,422     691     1,731    
Mill infrastructure     22,512     22,512         2,245
Capital projects in progress     4,665         4,665     6,851
Automotive equipment under capital leases     1,420     649     771     1,042
   
 
 
 
      975,907     407,345     568,562     602,471
Land     1,056         1,056     1,056
   
 
 
 
    $ 976,963   $ 407,345     569,618     603,527
   
 
           
Write-down of capital assets (Note 11)                 166,985     166,985
               
 
                $ 402,633   $ 436,542
               
 

5.     BANK INDEBTEDNESS

F-10


6.     PRE-BANKRUPTCY AND OTHER DEBT

 
  2003
  2002
Pre-bankruptcy accounts payable (i)   $ 11,738   $ 11,822
Pre-bankruptcy taxes payable (ii)     6,545     6,545
Pension plan and post-retirement benefits (Note 9)     10,665     9,699
Due to Stone Container (Canada) Inc. ("SCCI") (i)     968     968
Shareholder advances (i)     78,531     78,531
Short-term loan — SCCI (i)     120,941     120,941
Term credit facility (iii)     889,892     965,619
   
 
    $ 1,119,280   $ 1,194,125
   
 

 
  2003
  2002
Canadian dollar credit facility   $ 310,764   $ 294,188
U.S. dollar credit facility (2003 — U.S.$446,720; 2002 — U.S.$422,412)    
579,128
   
671,431
   
 
    $ 889,892   $ 965,619
   
 

F-11


7.     OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES AND COMMITMENTS

2004   $ 460
2005     365
2006     33
   
Total minimum lease payments     858
Less amount representing interest     90
   
    $ 768
   
Represented by:      
  Current portion   $ 394
  Long-term portion     374
   
    $ 768
   

8.     COMMON SHARES

F-12


9.     PENSION PLAN AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  Pension
Benefit Plans

  Other
Benefit Plans

  Total
  Total
 
Plan assets                          
  Fair market value, beginning of year   $ 19,277   $   $ 19,277   $ 20,665  
  Annual return on assets     2,774         2,774     (1,610 )
  Funding contributions     2,488     327     2,815     1,898  
  Benefits paid     (1,481 )   (327 )   (1,808 )   (1,676 )
   
 
 
 
 
      23,058         23,058     19,277  
   
 
 
 
 
Accrued benefit obligation                          
  Balance, beginning of year     27,999     12,538     40,537     38,202  
  Current service cost     924     538     1,462     1,328  
  Interest cost     1,846     1,064     2,910     2,557  
  Benefits paid     (1,481 )   (327 )   (1,808 )   (1,676 )
  Past service cost     16         16      
  Actuarial losses     2,031     5,124     7,155     126  
   
 
 
 
 
      31,335     18,937     50,272     40,537  
   
 
 
 
 
Funded status — plan deficit     (8,277 )   (18,937 )   (27,214 )   (21,260 )
Unamortized past service cost     274         274     291  
Unamortized actuarial losses     7,373     8,902     16,275     11,270  
   
 
 
 
 
Accrued benefit liability   $ (630 ) $ (10,035 ) $ (10,665 ) $ (9,699 )
   
 
 
 
 

F-13


Discount rate   6.5%
Rate of compensation increase   3.0%
Expected rate of return on plan assets   7.5%
 
  Years ended December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
 
  Pension
Benefit Plans

  Other
Benefit Plans

  Total
  Total
  Total
 
Current service cost   $ 924   $ 538   $ 1,462   $ 1,328   $ 1,051  
Interest cost     1,846     1,064     2,910     2,557     2,228  
Expected return on plan assets     (1,483 )       (1,483 )   (1,558 )   (1,606 )
Amortization                                
  Past service cost     32         32     31     31  
  Actuarial loss     422     438     860     417     171  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    $ 1,741   $ 2,040   $ 3,781   $ 2,775   $ 1,875  
   
 
 
 
 
 

10.   INCOME TAXES

F-14


11.   WRITE-DOWN OF CAPITAL ASSETS AND APPLICATION OF RESTRUCTURING PAYMENT AGAINST TERM CREDIT FACILITY

F-15


12.   DIFFERENCES BETWEEN UNITED STATES AND CANADIAN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES


 
  December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Net earnings (loss) in accordance with Canadian GAAP  
$

37,591
 
$

(79,579

)

$

(164,155

)
Adjustment:                    
  Purchase and supply contracts (i)     (1,055 )   195      
   
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss) in accordance with US GAAP     36,536     (79,384 )   (164,155 )
Adjustment for comprehensive income:                    
  Minimum pension liability adjustment (ii)     248     (4,262 )    
   
 
 
 
Comprehensive earnings (loss) for the year   $ 36,784   $ (83,646 ) $ (164,155 )
   
 
 
 

 
  2003
  2002
Current assets in accordance with Canadian GAAP   $ 76,937   $ 84,661
Purchase and supply contracts (i)         195
   
 
Current assets in accordance with US GAAP   $ 76,937   $ 84,856
   
 
Other assets in accordance with Canadian GAAP   $   $
Minimum pension liability (ii)     973     291
   
 
Other assets in accordance with US GAAP   $ 973   $ 291
   
 

F-16


 
  2003
  2002
Current liabilities in accordance with Canadian GAAP   $ 24,481   $ 28,603
Purchase and supply contracts (i)     860    
   
 
Current liabilities in accordance with US GAAP   $ 25,341   $ 28,603
   
 
Long-term liabilities in accordance with Canadian GAAP   $ 1,120,584   $ 1,195,686
Minimum pension liability (ii)     4,987     4,553
   
 
Long-term liabilities in accordance with US GAAP   $ 1,125,571   $ 1,200,239
   
 

 
  2003
  2002
 
Total shareholders' deficiency in accordance with Canadian GAAP  
$

(665,495

)

$

(703,086

)
Cumulative change in retained earnings relating to:              
  Purchase and supply contracts (i)     (860 )   195  
  Minimum pension liability adjustment (ii)     (4,014 )   (4,262 )
   
 
 
Total shareholders' deficiency in accordance with US GAAP   $ (670,369 ) $ (707,153 )
   
 
 

F-17


F-18


F-19


F-20


Financial Statements of

STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC.

(In Bankruptcy)

September 30, 2004

(Unaudited)
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

F-21



STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC.
(In Bankruptcy)

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2004
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

 
  September 30, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
ASSETS              
CURRENT              
  Accounts receivable   $ 27,551   $ 23,346  
  Inventories (Notes 1 (b) and 3)     76,136     52,457  
  Prepaid expenses and other     1,384     1,134  
   
 
 
      105,071     76,937  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Notes 1 (b) and 4)     252,613     402,633  
   
 
 
    $ 357,684   $ 479,570  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
CURRENT              
  Bank indebtedness   $ 20,662   $ 3,754  
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     24,145     20,333  
  Current portion of obligation under capital leases (Note 1 (b))     261     394  
   
 
 
      45,068     24,481  
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Note 7)     965     930  
PRE-BANKRUPTCY AND OTHER DEBT (Notes 1 (b) and 5)     1,123,660     1,119,280  
OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASES (Note 1 (b))     174     374  
   
 
 
      1,169,867     1,145,065  
   
 
 

SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Share capital     17,800     17,800  
Deficit     (829,983 )   (683,295 )
   
 
 
      (812,183 )   (665,495 )
   
 
 
    $ 357,684   $ 479,570  
   
 
 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Note 1)
COMMITMENTS (Note 8)

ON BEHALF OF KPMG INC., TRUSTEE OF THE ESTATE OF STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC., IN BANKRUPTCY

/s/ Todd M. Martin



Senior Vice President

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements

F-22



STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC.
(In Bankruptcy)

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF LOSS AND DEFICIT
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended September 30, 2004
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

 
  September 30, 2004
  September 30, 2003
 
Sales   $ 214,886   $ 207,593  
   
 
 
Operating expenses:              
  Cost of products sold     167,637     182,903  
  Depreciation and amortization     22,833     29,320  
  Selling, general and administrative     22,784     28,220  
  Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment (Note 1 (b))     129,204      
   
 
 
      342,458     240,443  
   
 
 
Operating income (loss)     (127,572 )   (32,850 )
   
 
 
Other income (expense)              
  Short-term interest expense     (474 )   (83 )
  Interest expense on term credit facility     (34,019 )   (35,673 )
  Foreign exchange gain on term credit facility     15,377     97,772  
   
 
 
      (19,116 )   62,016  
   
 
 
Net earnings (loss) for the period     (146,688 )   29,166  
Deficit, beginning of period     (683,295 )   (720,886 )
   
 
 
Deficit, end of period   $ (829,983 ) $ (691,720 )
   
 
 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements

F-23



STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC.
(In Bankruptcy)

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended September 30, 2004
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

 
  September 30, 2004
  September 30, 2003
 
Cash provided by (used for):              
Cash flows from operating activities:              
  Net earnings (loss) for the period   $ (146,688 ) $ 29,166  
  Items not involving cash:              
    Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment     129,204      
    Increase in pension and other plans liability     1,002     873  
    Foreign exchange gain on term credit facility     (15,377 )   (97,772 )
    Interest on term credit facility     34,019     35,673  
    Depreciation and amortization     22,833     29,320  
    Accretion expense     35     33  
  Net changes in non-cash working capital items:              
    Increase in accounts receivable     (4,205 )   (1,796 )
    (Increase) decrease in inventory     (23,679 )   14,640  
    Increase in prepaid expenses     (250 )   (509 )
    Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities     3,812     571  
   
 
 
      706     10,199  
   
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:              
  Additions to property, plant and equipment     (2,017 )   (3,985 )
   
 
 
      (2,017 )   (3,985 )
   
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:              
  Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness     16,908     (5,458 )
  Principal repayments under capital lease obligations     (333 )   (204 )
  Repayment of term credit facility     (15,264 )   (552 )
   
 
 
      1,311     (6,214 )
   
 
 
Net increase in cash position          
Cash position, beginning of period          
   
 
 
Cash position, end of period   $   $  
   
 
 
Supplemental information:              
  Interest paid   $ 474   $ 390  
   
 
 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements

F-24



STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC.
(In Bankruptcy)


NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended September 30, 2004
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

1.     BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS, PENDING ASSET SALE AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

F-25


2.     SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

F-26


F-27


3.     INVENTORIES

 
  September 30, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
  (Unaudited)

   
Pulpwood and chips (a)   $ 17,904   $ 7,960
Other raw materials and supplies (a)     14,790     15,053
Work-in-process and finished goods     43,442     29,444
   
 
    $ 76,136   $ 52,457
   
 

F-28


4.     PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT HELD FOR SALE

 
  September 30, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
  Cost
  Accumulated
Depreciation

  Net Book
Value

  Net Book
Value

 
  (Unaudited)
   
Buildings   $ 70,053   $ 20,578   $ 49,475   $ 50,789
Machinery and equipment     875,896     384,000     491,896     510,606
Computer and automotive equipment     2,403     2,083     320     1,731
Mill infrastructure     22,512     22,512        
Capital projects in progress     5,620         5,620     4,665
Automotive equipment under capital leases     881     446     435     771
   
 
 
 
      977,365     429,619     547,746     568,562
Land     1,056         1,056     1,056
   
 
 
 
    $ 978,421   $ 429,619     548,802     569,618
   
 
           
2000 Write-down of capital assets                 166,985     166,985
               
 
                  381,817     402,633
Impairment loss                 (129,204 )  
               
 
                $ 252,613   $ 402,633
               
 

F-29


5.     PRE-BANKRUPTCY AND OTHER DEBT

 
  September 30,
2004

  December 31,
2003

 
  (Unaudited)

   
Pre-bankruptcy accounts payable (a)   $ 11,732   $ 11,738
Pre-bankruptcy taxes payable (b)     6,545     6,545
Pension plan and post-retirement benefits (Note 6)     11,667     10,665
Due to Stone Container (Canada) Inc. ("SCCI") (a)     968     968
Shareholder advances (a)     78,531     78,531
Short-term loan — SCCI (a)     120,941     120,941
Term credit facility (c)     893,276     889,892
   
 
    $ 1,123,660   $ 1,119,280
   
 

 
  September 30,
2004

  December 31,
2003

 
  (Unaudited)

   
Canadian dollar credit facility   $ 306,868   $ 310,764
U.S. dollar credit facility (2004 — U.S. $464,915; 2003 — U.S. $446,720)     586,408     579,128
   
 
    $ 893,276   $ 889,892
   
 

F-30


6.     PENSION PLAN AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

7.     ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

Balance at December 31, 2003   $ 930
Liabilities incurred in the current period    
Liabilities settled    
Accretion expense     35
Revisions in estimated cash flows    
   
Balance at September 30, 2004   $ 965
   

F-31


8.     COMMITMENTS

9.     COMPARATIVE FIGURES

10.   DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES


 
  September 30,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (Unaudited)

  (Unaudited)

 
Net earnings (loss) in accordance with Canadian GAAP $     (146,688 ) $ 29,166  
Adjustments:              
  Purchase and supply contracts(i)     2,104     (615 )
   
 
 
Net earnings (loss) in accordance with US GAAP     (144,584 )   28,551  
Adjustment for comprehensive income:              
  Minimum pension liability adjustment(ii)     (617 )   (779 )
   
 
 
Comprehensive earnings (loss) for the period   $ (145,201 ) $ 27,772  
   
 
 

F-32



 
  September 30,
2004

  December 31,
2003

 
  (Unaudited)

   
Current assets in accordance with Canadian GAAP   $ 105,071   $ 76,937
Purchase and supply contracts(i)     1,244    
   
 
Current assets in accordance with US GAAP   $ 106,315   $ 76,937
   
 
Other assets in accordance with Canadian GAAP   $   $
Minimum pension liability(ii)     893     973
   
 
Other assets in accordance with US GAAP   $ 893   $ 973
   
 
Long-term liabilities in accordance with Canadian GAAP   $ 1,124,799   $ 1,120,584
Minimum pension liability(ii)     5,523     4,987
   
 
Long-term liabilities in accordance with US GAAP   $ 1,130,322   $ 1,125,571
   
 

 
  September 30, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
 
  (Unaudited)

   
 
Total shareholders' deficiency in accordance with Canadian GAAP   $ (812,183 ) $ (665,495 )
Cumulative change in retained earnings relating to:              
  Purchase and supply contracts(i)     1,244     (860 )
  Minimum pension liability adjustment(ii)     (4,630 )   (4,014 )
   
 
 
Total shareholders' deficiency in accordance with US GAAP   $ (815,569 ) $ (670,369 )
   
 
 

F-33


F-34


Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements of

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

September 30, 2004

F-35



MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

September 30, 2004
(Expressed in thousands of Euros)

 
  Mercer International Inc.
  Stone Venepal (Celgar) Pulp Inc.
  Pro Forma Adjustments
  Notes
  Consolidated Pro Forma
ASSETS                            
Current                            
  Cash and cash equivalents   42,643     307,844   4(a)(iii),(iv),
4(b)(ii),(iii),(iv)
  48,690
                  (150,138 ) 3      
                  (178,691 ) 4(b)(v)      
                  (1,432 ) 4(b)(v)      
                  28,464   4(b)(v)      
  Cash restricted     29,346                 29,346
  Receivables     33,003     18,348     (18,316 ) 4(b)(i)     33,035
  Unrealized foreign exchange derivative gains     899         (420 ) 4(b)(v)     479
  Inventories     59,225     48,513     (27,443 ) 4(b)(i)     80,295
  Prepaid expenses     4,603     882     (616 ) 4(b)(i)     4,869
   
 
 
     
Total current assets     169,719     67,743     (40,748 )       196,714
Cash restricted     47,538         (28,464 ) 4(b)(v)     19,074
Property, plant and equipment     942,249     160,963     17,698   4(b)(i)(iv)     1,120,910
Investments     878                 878
Equity method investments     3,993                 3,993
Deferred note issuance costs     3,908         6,040   4(b)(ii)     9,948
Unrealized foreign exchange derivative gains     14,442                 14,442
Other         569             569
Deferred income tax     10,000                 10,000
   
 
 
     
Total assets   1,192,727   229,275   (45,474 )     1,376,528
   
 
 
     

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current                            
  Bank indebtedness     13,166   (13,166 ) 4(b)(i)  
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses     64,373     15,384     (12,733 ) 4(b)(i)     65,766
                  (1,258 ) 4(b)(v)      
  Construction costs payable     160,952                 160,952
  Note payable     1,403                 1,403
  Debt, Stendal     50,000                 50,000
  Debt, current portion     15,465     166     (166 ) 4(b)(i)     376
                  (15,089 ) 4(b)(v)      
   
 
 
     
Total current liabilities     292,193     28,716     (42,412 )       278,497
Debt, Stendal     476,301                 476,301
Debt, less current portion     234,317     708,554     241,604   4(a)(iv)     312,319
                  (708,554 ) 4(b)(i)      
                  (163,602 ) 4(b)(v)      
Unrealized interest rate derivative loss     58,874                 58,874
Unrealized foreign exchange derivative loss     594         (594 ) 4(b)(v)    
Pension plan and post retirement benefit obligation         10,953             10,953
Asset retirement obligation         615             615
Capital leases and other     8,853     111     (111 ) 4(b)(i)     8,853
   
 
 
     
Total liabilities     1,071,132     748,949     (673,669 )       1,146,412
   
 
 
     

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CAPITAL DEFICIENCY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Shares of beneficial interest     79,736     11,342     80,535   4(a)(iii)     188,257
                  (4,228 ) 4(b)(iii)      
                  (11,342 ) 4(b)(i)      
                  32,214   4(a)(ii)      
Additional paid-in capital, stock options     14                 14
Retained earnings (deficit)     36,592     (528,066 )   528,066   4(b)(i)     36,592
Accumulated other comprehensive income     5,253     (2,950 )   2,950   4(b)(i)     5,253
   
 
 
     
Total shareholders' equity     121,595     (519,674 )   628,195         230,116
   
 
 
     
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   1,192,727   229,275   (45,474 )     1,376,528
   
 
 
     

See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements

F-36



MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Nine months ended September 30, 2004
(Expressed in thousands of Euros, except per share data)

 
  Mercer International Inc.
  Stone Venepal (Celgar) Pulp Inc.
  Pro Forma Adjustments
  Notes
  Consolidated Pro Forma
 
Revenues                              
  Pulp and paper   145,084   132,036         277,120  
  Transportation     2,134                 2,134  
  Other     6,650                 6,650  
   
 
 
     
 
      153,868     132,036             285,904  
Cost of sales                              
  Pulp and paper     131,420     117,034     (5,097 ) 4(c)(i)     243,357  
  Transportation     2,222                 2,222  
   
 
 
     
 
      133,642     117,034     (5,097 )       245,579  
   
Gross profit
   
20,226
   
15,002
   
5,097
       
40,325
 
General and administrative     (21,182 )   (14,000 )   598   4(c)(ii)     (34,584 )
Impairment of capital assets     (6,000 )   (79,389 )   79,389   4(b)(i)     (6,000 )
Flooding losses and expenses, less grant income     (669 )               (669 )
   
 
 
     
 
    Income (loss) from operations     (7,625 )   (78,387 )   85,084         (928 )
   
 
 
     
 
Other income (expense)                              
  Interest expense     (9,554 )   (21,194 )   12,350   4(c)(iii)     (18,964 )
                  (566 ) 4(c)(iv)        
  Investment income     1,679         (1,123 ) 4(c)(vii)     556  
  Derivative financial instruments                              
    Unrealized gain on natural gas forward supply contracts         1,293             1,293  
    Unrealized loss on interest rate derivatives     (15,825 )       101   4(c)(v)     (15,724 )
    Unrealized and realized gain on foreign exchange rate derivatives     14,748         174   4(c)(v)     14,922  
  Foreign exchange gain on term credit facility         9,448     (7,860 ) 4(c)(vi)     1,588  
   
 
 
     
 
    Total other income (expense)     (8,952 )   (10,453 )   3,076         (16,329 )
   
 
 
     
 
    Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest     (16,577 )   (88,840 )   88,160         (17,257 )
Income tax benefit     37                 37  
   
 
 
     
 
    Income (loss) before minority interest     (16,540 )   (88,840 )   88,160         (17,220 )
Minority interest     3,936                 3,936  
   
 
 
     
 
    Net income (loss)   (12,604 ) (88,840 ) 88,160       (13,284 )
   
 
 
     
 
Loss per share                              
  Basic   (0.73 )                 (0.43 )
   
                 
 
  Diluted   (0.73 )                 (0.43 )
   
                 
 
Number of shares outstanding for computing basic and diluted loss per share     17,256,894                     30,883,616  
   
                 
 

See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements

F-37



MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year ended December 31, 2003
(Expressed in thousands of Euros, except per share data)

 
  Mercer International Inc.
  Stone Venepal (Celgar) Pulp Inc.
  Pro Forma Adjustments
  Notes
  Consolidated Pro Forma
 
Revenues                              
  Pulp and paper   182,456   171,169         353,625  
  Transportation     3,607                 3,607  
  Other     8,493                 8,493  
   
 
 
     
 
      194,556     171,169             365,725  
Cost of sales                              
  Pulp and paper     176,655     170,044     (12,813 ) 4(d)(i)     333,886  
  Transportation     3,035                 3,035  
   
 
 
     
 
    Gross profit     14,866     1,125     12,813         28,804  
General and administrative     (19,323 )   (23,995 )   1,485   4(d)(ii)     (41,833 )
Settlement expenses     (1,041 )               (1,041 )
Flooding grants, less losses and expenses     957                 957  
   
 
 
     
 
    Loss from operations     (4,541 )   (22,870 )   14,298         (13,113 )
   
 
 
     
 
Other income (expense)                              
  Interest expense     (11,523 )   (30,312 )   19,046   4(d)(iii)     (23,544 )
                  (755 ) 4(d)(iv)        
  Investment income     1,653         (660 ) 4(d)(vii)     993  
  Derivative financial instruments                              
    Unrealized loss on natural gas forward supply contracts         (665 )           (665 )
    Unrealized loss, construction in progress financing     (13,042 )               (13,042 )
    Realized gain, construction in progress financing     743                 743  
    Net gains (losses), other     28,467           (455 ) 4(d)(v)     28,012  
    Impairment of equity method investments     (2,255 )               (2,255 )
    Impairment of available-for-sale securities     (5,570 )               (5,570 )
    Foreign exchange gain on term credit facility         76,875     (63,958 ) 4(d)(vi)     12,917  
   
 
 
     
 
    Total other expense     (1,527 )   45,898     (46,782 )       (2,411 )
   
 
 
     
 
    Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest     (6,068 )   23,028     (32,484 )       (15,524 )
Income tax provision     (3,172 )               (3,172 )
   
 
 
     
 
  Income (loss) before minority interest     (9,240 )   23,028     (32,484 )       (18,696 )
Minority interest     5,647                 5,647  
   
 
 
     
 
  Net income (loss)   (3,593 ) 23,028   (32,484 )     (13,049 )
   
 
 
     
 
Loss per share                              
  Basic   (0.21 )                 (0.43 )
   
                 
 
  Diluted   (0.21 )                 (0.43 )
   
                 
 
Number of shares outstanding for computing basic and diluted loss per share     16,940,858                     30,567,580  
   
                 
 

See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements

F-38



MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Nine months ended September 30, 2003
(Expressed in thousands of Euros, except per share data)

 
  Mercer International Inc.
  Stone Venepal (Celgar) Pulp Inc.
  Pro Forma Adjustments
  Notes
  Consolidated Pro Forma
 
Revenues                              
  Pulp and paper   134,935   130,545         265,480  
  Transportation     2,850                 2,850  
  Other     6,351                 6,351  
   
 
 
     
 
      144,136     130,545             274,681  
Cost of sales                              
  Pulp and paper     131,838     133,457     (9,505 ) 4(e)(i)     255,790  
  Transportation     2,388                 2,388  
   
 
 
     
 
      134,226     133,457     (9,505 )       258,178  
    Gross profit (loss)     9,910     (2,912 )   9,505         16,503  
General and administrative     (12,961 )   (17,746 )   1,235   4(e)(ii)     (29,472 )
Settlement expenses     (630 )               (630 )
Impairment of capital assets                      
Flooding grants, less losses and expenses     1,162                 1,162  
   
 
 
     
 
    Loss from operations     (2,519 )   (20,658 )   10,740         (12,437 )
   
 
 
     
 
Other income (expense)                              
  Interest expense     (6,887 )   (22,485 )   13,757   4(e)(iii)     (16,181 )
                  (566 ) 4(e)(iv)      
  Investment income     1,055         (513 ) 4(e)(vii)     542  
  Derivative financial instruments                              
    Unrealized gain on natural gas forward supply contracts         (387 )           (387 )
    Unrealized loss on interest rate derivatives     (22,832 )       307   4(e)(v)     (22,525 )
    Unrealized and realized gain on foreign exchange rate derivatives     19,228         (18,642 ) 4(e)(v)     586  
    Net gain (losses), other     20                 20  
  Impairment of equity method investments                      
  Impairment of available-for-sale securities     (5,511 )               (5,511 )
  Foreign exchange gain on term credit facility         61,484     (51,153 ) 4(e)(vi)     10,331  
   
 
 
     
 
    Total other income (expense)     (14,927 )   38,612     (56,810 )       (33,125 )
   
 
 
     
 
    Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest     (17,446 )   17,954     (46,070 )       (45,562 )
Income tax (provision) benefit     (226 )               (226 )
   
 
 
     
 
  Income (loss) before minority interest     (17,672 )   17,954     (46,070 )       (45,788 )
Minority interest     8,499                 8,499  
   
 
 
     
 
  Net income (loss)   (9,173 ) 17,954   (46,070 )     (37,289 )
   
 
 
     
 
Loss per share                              
  Basic   (0.54 )                 (1.22 )
   
                 
 
  Diluted   (0.54 )                 (1.22 )
   
                 
 
Number of shares outstanding for computing basic and diluted loss per share     16,887,262                     30,513,984  
   
                 
 

See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements

F-39


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2004
(Expressed in thousands of Euros unless otherwise stated)

Note 1.    Basis of Presentation

        On November 22, 2004, we entered into an agreement with KPMG Inc., as receiver of Stone Venepal (Celgar) Pulp Inc., in bankruptcy ("Celgar"), to acquire (the "Acquisition") substantially all of the assets of Celgar (Note 3). The completion of the Acquisition is subject to, among other things, us raising from the sale of our equity and/or debt securities funds to finance the payment of the purchase price and refinance the indebtedness of our Rosenthal pulp mill, on terms and conditions satisfactory to us, and us having accepted a commitment from a Canadian chartered bank or its affiliates for an operating credit facility of not less than US$30 million. We have made certain assumptions in respect of the anticipated equity and debt to be issued to finance the Acquisition (Note 4). The Acquisition has been accounted for by the purchase method of accounting in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations.

        The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements of Mercer International Inc. ("Mercer" or the "Company") as at September 30, 2004 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 and the year ended December 31, 2003 have been prepared by management after giving effect to the Acquisition, the anticipated equity and debt to be issued to finance the Acquisition and refinance all the bank indebtedness of our Rosenthal mill, the related transactions and the payment of estimated fees and expenses. These pro forma consolidated financial statements have been compiled from and include:

(a)
A pro forma consolidated balance sheet combining the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Mercer as at September 30, 2004 with the unaudited balance sheet of Celgar as at September 30, 2004;

(b)
A pro forma consolidated statement of operations combining the unaudited consolidated statement of operations of Mercer for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 with the unaudited statement of operations of Celgar for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003; and

(c)
A pro forma consolidated statement of operations combining the audited consolidated statement of operations of Mercer for the year ended December 31, 2003 with the audited statement of operations of Celgar for the year ended December 31, 2003.

        The September 30, 2004 pro forma balance sheet has been prepared as if the transaction described in Note 3 had occurred on September 30, 2004. The pro forma statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 have been prepared as if the transactions described in Note 3 had occurred on January 1, 2003.

        The pro forma statements have been presented in Euros which is the reporting currency for Mercer. The exchange rates used for conversion to Euros throughout these statements are included in the table below:

 
  US$
  C$
As at September 30, 2004   1.2417   1.5694
Average for the Nine months ending September 30, 2004   1.2255   1.6275
Average for the Twelve months ending December 31, 2003   1.1321   1.5865
Average for the Nine months ending September 30, 2003   1.1124   1.5902

        It is management's opinion that these pro forma consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the transactions described in Note 3 in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP") applied on a basis consistent with Mercer's accounting policies. The pro forma consolidated financial statements are not intended to reflect the results of operations or the financial position of Mercer which would have actually resulted had the proposed transactions been effected on the dates indicated. Further, the pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of Mercer's financial position or results of operations that may be obtained in the future.

F-40


        The unaudited pro forma financial statements should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and notes thereto of Celgar described above and included in this current report on Form 8-K/A, as well as the historical financial statements and notes thereto of Mercer described above which are included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Note 2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements have been compiled using the significant accounting policies as set out in the audited financial statements of Mercer for the year ended December 31, 2003 included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the SEC. The significant accounting policies of Celgar, after adjustment into US GAAP, conform in all material respects to those of Mercer. The differences between Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("Canadian GAAP") and US GAAP which would have a material effect on these pro forma consolidated financial statements are reflected in Note 5.

Note 3.    Business Acquisition

Celgar

        Pursuant to an asset purchase agreement (the "Asset Purchase Agreement") dated November 22, 2004 between the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary, 0706906 B.C. Ltd. and KPMG Inc. (in its capacity as receiver of Celgar), the Company has agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets of Celgar for a purchase price of €169,123 (US$210,000), of which €136,909 (US$170,000) is payable in cash and €32,214 (US$40,000) is payable in shares of beneficial interest of Mercer, plus an amount for the defined working capital at the Celgar mill on the closing date of the Acquisition. We will not assume any of Celgar's debt, equity and other liabilities, except for certain accrued employee liabilities, pension plan and post retirement benefit obligations and asset retirement obligations. The purchase price is subject to certain adjustments and excludes fees and expenses. The aggregate purchase price of the Acquisition is estimated to be €186,379 (US$231,427).

        The preliminary estimated allocation of the purchase price is summarized below and is subject to change. The actual allocation of the purchase price will be based upon the fair values of the net assets of Celgar at the date of acquisition.

Purchase price:      
  Cash   150,138
  Equity — shares of beneficial interest     32,214
  Estimated acquisition costs     4,027
   
    186,379
   

F-41


Net assets acquired:        
  Receivables   32  
  Inventory     21,070  
  Prepaids     266  
  Property, plant and equipment     178,662  
  Other assets     569  
  Accrued liabilities     (2,652 )
  Asset retirement obligation     (615 )
  Pension plan and post-retirement benefits obligation     (10,953 )
   
 
    186,379  
   
 

        Celgar's unaudited balance sheet as at September 30, 2004, unaudited statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 and audited statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 have been restated into US GAAP and Euros as presented in Note 5.

        The cash portion of the purchase price and the defined working capital amount will be financed from the partial net proceeds of the equity and debt offerings as described in Note 4(a).

Note 4.    Pro Forma Adjustments

        The respective pro forma adjustments are explained below beside the corresponding footnote:

(a)
General Assumptions:

(i)
The Company will acquire the assets as described in Note 3 from KPMG Inc., as receiver of Celgar.

(ii)
The Company expects to issue 4,210,526 shares of beneficial interest at an assumed price of US$9.50 per share which represents €32,214 (US$40,000) of the purchase price as described in Note 3 as partial consideration for the Acquisition. The exact number of shares of beneficial interest to be issued will be definitively determined on the closing of the Acquisition pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement and may range from 4,210,526 to 5,161,290.

(iii)
Assuming an issue price of US$10.62, the Company intends to issue 9,416,196 shares of beneficial interest to raise gross proceeds of €80,535 (US$100,000) to finance the Acquisition, refinance all the bank indebtedness of our Rosenthal mill and for general corporate purposes. The assumed issue price of US$10.62 per share was based on the last reported sale price of our shares of beneficial interest on the Nasdaq National Market on December 8, 2004. The price and number of shares of beneficial interest actually issued will depend on market conditions and the demand for our equity securities.

(iv)
The Company intends to issue debt securities to raise gross proceeds of €241,604 (US$300,000) to finance the Acquisition, refinance all the bank indebtedness of our Rosenthal mill and for general corporate purposes. The interest rate and aggregate principal amount of debt securities actually issued will depend on market conditions and the demand for our debt securities.

(b)
Assumptions for unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2004:

(i)
We will acquire substantially all the assets of Celgar through the Asset Purchase Agreement as described in Note 3.

F-42


(c)
Assumptions for pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2004:

(i)
Amortization expense has been decreased by €5,097 to reflect reduction in asset value and harmonization of depreciation policies.

(ii)
Reduce general and administrative expenses by €598 which are non-recurring professional costs related to the oversight of the Celgar mill by the receiver and trustee. These costs will not be incurred in the future as these services will be provided by the Company's senior officers.

(iii)
Reduced interest expense of €12,350 has been recorded to reflect the reversal of interest on the Celgar debt and the refinancings of the Rosenthal debt, offset by the €241,641 (US$300,000) debt securities financing.

(iv)
Amortization of deferred financing costs of €566 has been charged to interest expense.

(v)
A decrease in unrealized loss on interest rate derivatives of €101 and an increase in unrealized and realized gain on foreign exchange rate derivatives of €174 to reflect derivatives collapsed on the refinancing of the Rosenthal debt. These derivatives and the Rosenthal debt will be settled and refinanced with partial proceeds from the issuance of our debt securities.

(vi)
A decrease in foreign exchange gain of €7,860 on the Celgar term facility to reflect the new financing inherent in the Acquisition. The Company will not be assuming such Celgar term facility pursuant to the Acquisition (Note 3).

(vii)
Reduced investment income of €1,123 to reflect the reduction of interest earned on restricted cash utilized in the refinancing of the Rosenthal debt.

(viii)
No tax expense has been recorded for items (i) thru (vii) above as the Company has sufficient tax loss carry-forwards available that could be utilized against taxes payable. The Company maintains a valuation reserve against the majority of these loss carry-forwards due to uncertainties regarding future taxable income.

(d)
Assumptions for pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003:

(i)
Amortization expense has been decreased by €12,813 to reflect reduction in asset value and harmonization of depreciation policies.

(ii)
Reduce general and administrative expenses by €1,485 which are non-recurring professional costs related to the oversight of the Celgar operations by the receiver and trustee in bankruptcy. These costs will not be incurred in the future as these services will be provided by the Company's senior officers.

F-43


(e)
Assumptions for pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003:

(i)
Amortization expense has been decreased by €9,505 to reflect reduction in asset value and harmonization of depreciation policies.

(ii)
Reduce general and administrative expenses by €1,235 which are non-recurring professional costs related to the oversight of the Celgar mill by the receiver and trustee. These costs will not be incurred in the future as these services will be provided by the Company's senior officers.

(iii)
Reduced interest expense of €13,757 has been recorded to reflect the reversal of interest on the Celgar debt and the refinancing of the Rosenthal debt, offset by the €241,604 (US$300,000) debt securities financing.

(iv)
Amortization of deferred financing costs of €566 has been charged to interest expense.

(v)
A decrease in unrealized loss on interest rate derivatives of €307 and in unrealized and realized gain on foreign exchange rate derivatives of €18,642 to reflect derivatives collapsed on the refinancing of the Rosenthal debt. These derivatives and the Rosenthal debt will be settled and refinanced with partial proceeds from the issuance of our debt securities.

(vi)
A decrease in foreign exchange gain of €51,153 on the Celgar term facility to reflect the new financing inherent in the Acquisition. The Company will not be assuming such Celgar term facility pursuant to the Acquisition (Note 3).

(vii)
Reduced investment income of €513 to reflect the reduction of interest earned on restricted cash utilized in the refinancing of the Rosenthal debt.

(viii)
No tax expense has been recorded for items (i) thru (vii) above as the Company has sufficient tax loss carry-forwards available that could be utilized against taxes payable. The Company maintains a valuation reserve against the majority of these loss carry-forwards due to uncertainties regarding future taxable income.

F-44


Note 5.    GAAP Differences

        Celgar prepares its financial statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP and in Canadian dollars. The table below summarizes the conversion from Canadian GAAP and Canadian dollars to US GAAP and the Euro. The US GAAP adjustments are more fully disclosed in Note 10 of the unaudited financial statements of Celgar for the nine month period ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 and Note 12 of the audited financial statements of Celgar for the year ended December 31, 2003 in this current report on Form 8-K/A. The conversion from Canadian dollars to Euros has been reflected at the rates described in Note 1.

BALANCE SHEET OF STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC., IN BANKRUPTCY

September 30, 2004
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of Euros unless otherwise stated)

 
  Canadian
GAAP

  US GAAP
Adjustments

  US
GAAP

  US
GAAP

 
Assets                          
Current                          
  Accounts receivable   C$ 27,551   C$ 1,244   C$ 28,795   18,348  
  Inventories     76,136         76,136     48,513  
  Prepaid expenses and other     1,384         1,384     882  
   
 
 
 
 
Total current assets     105,071     1,244     106,315     67,743  
Property, plant and equipment     252,613         252,613     160,963  
Other assets         893     893     569  
   
 
 
 
 
Total assets   C$ 357,684   C$ 2,137   C$ 359,821   229,275  
   
 
 
 
 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current                          
  Bank indebtedness   C$ 20,662   C$  —   C$ 20,662   13,166  
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     24,145         24,145     15,384  
  Current portion of obligation under capital leases     261         261     166  
   
 
 
 
 
Total current liabilities     45,068     5,523     45,068     28,716  
Asset retirement obligation     965         965     615  
Pre-bankruptcy and other debt     1,123,660     5,523     1,129,183     719,507  
Obligation under capital leases     174         174     111  
   
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities     1,169,867     5,523     1,175,390     748,949  
   
 
 
 
 

Shareholders' deficiency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Share capital     17,800         17,800     11,342  
Deficit     (829,983 )   1,244     (828,739 )   (528,066 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income         (4,630 )   (4,630 )   (2,950 )
   
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' deficiency     (812,183 )   (3,386 )   (815,569 )   (519,674 )
   
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   C$ 357,684   C$ 2,137   C$ 359,821   229,275  
   
 
 
 
 

F-45


STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS OF STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC., IN BANKRUPTCY

Nine months ended September 30, 2004
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of Euros unless otherwise stated)

 
  Canadian
GAAP

  US GAAP
Adjustments

  US
GAAP

  US
GAAP

 
Net sales   C$ 214,886   C$  —   C$ 214,886   132,036  
   
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses                          
  Cost of products sold     167,637         167,637     103,004  
  Depreciation and amortization     22,833         22,833     14,030  
  General and administrative     22,784         22,784     14,000  
  Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment     129,204         129,204     79,389  
   
 
 
 
 
      342,458         342,458     210,423  
   
 
 
 
 
    Operating income     (127,572 )       (127,572 )   (78,387 )
   
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense)                          
  Short-term interest expense     (474 )       (474 )   (291 )
  Interest expense on term credit facility     (34,019 )       (34,019 )   (20,903 )
  Unrealized gain (loss) on natural gas forward supply contracts         2,104     2,104     1,293  
  Foreign exchange gain on term credit facility     15,377         15,377     9,448  
      (19,116 )   2,104     (17,012 )   (10,453 )
   
 
 
 
 
    Net earnings (loss) for the year   C$ (146,688 ) C$ 2,104   C$ (144,584 ) (88,840 )
   
 
 
 
 

F-46


STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS OF STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC., IN BANKRUPTCY

Year ended December 31, 2003
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of Euros unless otherwise stated)

 
  Canadian
GAAP

  US GAAP
Adjustments

  US
GAAP

  US
GAAP

 
Net sales   C$ 271,566   C$  —   C$ 271,566   171,169  
   
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses                          
  Cost of products sold     230,555         230,555     145,320  
  Depreciation and amortization     39,225         39,225     24,724  
  General and administrative     38,069         38,069     23,995  
   
 
 
 
 
      307,849         307,849     194,039  
   
 
 
 
 
    Operating loss     (36,283 )       (36,283 )   (22,870 )
   
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense)                          
  Short-term interest expense     (512 )       (512 )   (323 )
  Interest expense on term credit facility     (47,579 )       (47,579 )   (29,989 )
  Unrealized gain (loss) on natural gas forward supply contracts         (1,055 )   (1,055 )   (665 )
  Foreign exchange gain on term credit facility     121,965         121,965     76,875  
   
 
 
 
 
      73,874     (1,055 )   72,819     45,898  
   
 
 
 
 
    Net earnings (loss) for the year   C$ 37,591   C$ (1,055 ) C$ 36,536   23,028  
   
 
 
 
 

F-47


STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS OF STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC., IN BANKRUPTCY

Nine months ended September 30, 2003
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of Euros unless otherwise stated)

 
  Canadian
GAAP

  US GAAP
Adjustments

  US
GAAP

  US
GAAP

 
Net sales   C$ 207,593   C$  —   C$ 207,593   130,545  
   
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses                          
  Cost of products sold     182,903         182,903     115,019  
  Depreciation and amortization     29,320         29,320     18,438  
  General and administrative     28,220         28,220     17,746  
   
 
 
 
 
      240,443         240,443     151,203  
   
 
 
 
 
    Loss from operations     (32,850 )       (32,850 )   (20,658 )
   
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense)                          
  Short-term interest expense     (83 )       (83 )   (52 )
  Interest expense on term credit facility     (35,673 )       (35,673 )   (22,433 )
  Unrealized gain (loss) on natural gas forward supply contracts         (615 )   (615 )   (387 )
  Foreign exchange gain on term credit facility     97,772         97,772     61,484  
   
 
 
 
 
      62,016     (615 )   61,401     38,612  
   
 
 
 
 
    Net earnings (loss) for the year   C$ 29,166   C$ (615 ) C$ 28,551   17,954  
   
 
 
 
 

F-48



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

    MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

 

 

By:

/s/  
DAVID M. GANDOSSI      
David M. Gandossi
Chief Financial Officer

Date: December 10, 2004

 

 

 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

FORM 8-K

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

  Description

23.1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP



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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
COMMENTS BY AUDITOR ON CANADA-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA REPORTING DIFFERENCE
STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC. (In Bankruptcy) BALANCE SHEET December 31, 2003 (In thousands of Canadian dollars)
STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC. (In Bankruptcy) STATEMENT OF LOSS AND DEFICIT Year ended December 31, 2003 (In thousands of Canadian dollars)
STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC. (In Bankruptcy) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year ended December 31, 2003 (In thousands of Canadian dollars)
STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC. (In Bankruptcy)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended December 31, 2003 (In thousands of Canadian dollars)
STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC. (In Bankruptcy) CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) September 30, 2004 (In thousands of Canadian dollars)
STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC. (In Bankruptcy) CONDENSED STATEMENT OF LOSS AND DEFICIT (Unaudited) Nine months ended September 30, 2004 (In thousands of Canadian dollars)
STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC. (In Bankruptcy) CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) Nine months ended September 30, 2004 (In thousands of Canadian dollars)
STONE VENEPAL (CELGAR) PULP INC. (In Bankruptcy)
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) Nine months ended September 30, 2004 (In thousands of Canadian dollars)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET September 30, 2004 (Expressed in thousands of Euros)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Nine months ended September 30, 2004 (Expressed in thousands of Euros, except per share data)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Year ended December 31, 2003 (Expressed in thousands of Euros, except per share data)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Nine months ended September 30, 2003 (Expressed in thousands of Euros, except per share data)
SIGNATURES