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PotlatchDeltic acquires CatchMark Timber Trust

PotlatchDeltic Corporation and CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction. The acquisition by PotlatchDeltic will strengthen and diversify a leading integrated timber REIT (real estate investment trusts) and continue to enhance shareholder value.

Based on the closing stock prices of PotlatchDeltic and CatchMark on May 27, 2022, the combined company is expected to have a pro forma market capitalization over $4 billion and total enterprise value of more than $5 billion, including $557 million in net debt.

Following close of the transaction, PotlatchDeltic stockholders will own approximately 86 per cent of the combined company, and CatchMark stockholders will own approximately 14 per cent on a fully diluted basis.

The combination brings together two high quality timberland REITs resulting in PotlatchDeltic owning approximately 2.2 million acres of diversified timberlands including 626,000 acres in Idaho and over 1.5 million acres in strengthening markets in the U.S. South. PotlatchDeltic also remains the timber REIT with the most leverage to lumber prices, including 1.1 billion board feet of lumber capacity. The transaction also combines two successful and complementary real estate businesses.

Eric J. Cremers, president and CEO of PotlatchDeltic, said, “We are excited about growing shareholder value by combining PotlatchDeltic and CatchMark. With CatchMark, we gain significant scale in three states and diversify our timberland holdings into some of the strongest markets in the U.S. South. In addition, the location of CatchMark’s land near large population centers provides attractive rural real estate sales opportunities. PotlatchDeltic will retain a strong balance sheet and liquidity after the merger is completed, providing a platform for continued growth. We also remain committed to responsible environmental, social, and governance strategies.”

Brian M. Davis, president and CEO of CatchMark, said, “This partnership with PotlatchDeltic unlocks value for our stockholders and positions us well for sustainable success over the long term. By joining together our high quality assets and our dedicated and talented employees, we will greatly enhance the potential of PotlatchDeltic. We look forward to working together as we integrate our two companies and capitalize on the robust opportunities for growth and success.”

The board of directors of the combined company will consist of nine directors from PotlatchDeltic and one director from CatchMark. The corporate headquarters will be maintained in Spokane, Wash. A regional office will be maintained in Atlanta, Ga.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2022. The transaction requires approval of stockholders of CatchMark and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Due to the transaction, CatchMark has postponed the 2022 annual meeting of its stockholders that had been scheduled for June 14, 2022.