Montreal, Ontario, Canada, 04 December 2008 -- /PRNewswire/ - AbitibiBowater Inc. today announced several actions aimed at creating a more flexible and responsive operating platform, addressing ongoing volatility in exchange rates, energy, and fiber pricing, and structural challenges in the North American newsprint industry. These efforts are a continuation of the company's comprehensive strategic review.

Approximately 830,000 metric tons of newsprint, 110,000 metric tons of specialty grades, and 70,000 metric tons of coated grades will be removed from the marketplace. Capacity reductions include:

The company has achieved CAD 320 million in annualized synergies through 30 September 2008, and believes it will reach its targeted run rate of CAD 375 million of annualized synergies by year-end 2008, one full year ahead of plan. AbitibiBowater also has initiated a further 20% reduction in selling, general ,and administrative (SG&A) costs in 2009, representing a CAD 60 million reduction compared to its fourth quarter 2008 run rate.

"Today's announcement is consistent with previous actions and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to be a stronger, more competitive organization," stated David J. Paterson, president and chief executive officer. "The North American newsprint market continues to contract and our customers have told us they anticipate further decline. International customers have also indicated that export growth will not be as strong in the coming year. We have the resolve to adapt to these realities and to set the stage for continued quarter-over-quarter improvements."

Despite sustained efforts and discussions with government and unions, the permanent closure of the Grand Falls facility is a result of declining newsprint demand and high delivered cost. Idlings of machines at Calhoun and the Alabama River newsprint mill reflect softening markets for the products produced at these facilities and the noncompetitive cost structure of southern U.S. electrical suppliers.

AbitibiBowater estimates it will incur cash closure costs of approximately CAD 45 million related to severance and other closure charges as a result of these actions. Most of these closure costs will be paid during the second quarter of 2009. A fourth quarter 2008 non-cash asset impairment charge of approximately CAD 180 million will be taken to reflect the permanent closure of the Grand Falls mill and Covington paper converting facility.

"We will make every effort to help mitigate the effects of these capacity reductions, as we are mindful of the impact they will have on affected employees and communities," Paterson said. "Stakeholders made efforts to develop viable solutions to keep these operations running, however, after careful deliberation, these decisions were necessary given current market and economic realities."

Approximately 1100 employees are affected by these capacity reductions.

The steps announced today are designed to better position the company for the future, an objective that is in the long-term interest of AbitibiBowater stakeholders. The company remains committed to customer service and delivery of a high-quality product and will work closely with customers to ensure a smooth transition.

AbitibiBowater will continue to assess its business, taking necessary actions to better position the company in the global marketplace.

AbitibiBowater produces a wide range of newsprint, commercial printing papers, market pulp, and wood products. It is the eighth largest publicly traded pulp and paper manufacturer in the world. AbitibiBowater owns or operates 25 pulp and paper facilities and 30 wood products facilities located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea. Marketing its products in more than 90 countries, the company is also among the world's largest recyclers of old newspapers and magazines, and has more third-party certified sustainable forest land than any other company in the world. AbitibiBowater's shares trade under the stock symbol ABH on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.