York, Pa.-based Glatfelter, a producer of engineered products and specialty papers, has announced its intent to purchase Canada-based airlaid nonwovens manufacturer Concert Industries Corp. from Brookfield Special Situations Mangement Ltd. for CAN$246.5 million (approximately US$235 million). Glatfelter will manage Concert as a third business unit joining its existing Specialty Papers and Composite Fibers units. Pending all regulatory approvals, Glatfelter expects the acquisition to be complete by the end of the first quarter of 2010.

         "We view concert as a natural fit for our business and right in line with our growth strategy," said George H. Glatfelter II, chairman and CEO, Glatfelter. "This acquisition will combine the strengths of two highly-regarded specialty producers and provide us with another industry-leading global business that sells highly specialized, engineered, fiber-based products to niche markets with substantial barriers to entry. Concert participates in markets that are adjacent to markets we currently serve. It utilizes technologies that are familiar to us and broadens our relationship with premier global consumer products companies. In addition, Concert will create additional growth opportunities globally for Glatfelter, particularly in developing markets such as Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and South America."

          Concert operates two state-of-the-art plants - one in Canada, and one in Germany - and employs approximately 600 people. The company recently completed the installation of a new production line in Germany. The $70 million investment increased capacity by 18,000 metric tons to 84,000 metric tons per year. The company is primarily focused on products for the feminine hygiene market, which comprise roughly 80 percent of its sales. Other products are used in wipes, adult incontinence products and food pads. Customers include Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and Kimberly-Clark.