News Release

Japan Pulp and Paper Company Limited (Hereinafter, JP) has acquired a 49% holding of the available shares in KCT Trading Private Limited (Hereinafter, KCT), an Indian wholesale paper trading company, as part of the Company’s efforts to further expand its global business activities. This share acquisition will enable the JP Group to strengthen its sales network in the growing Indian paper market.

In accordance with its JP Group Mid-term Business Plan 2013, JP is striving to expand its activities in relation to its overseas, resource and environment-related businesses fields in addition to its efforts to increase the profitability of its existing operations. In terms of its overseas activities, JP is continuing to expand its global sourcing and sales network with business developments being made in a variety of areas including the wholesale supply of paper and paperboard, the manufacture of corrugated containerboard, the sale of raw materials used in the making of paper and the manufacture and sale of household paper products.

Headquartered in Kolkata, KCT controls a nationwide sales network with offices in major cities across India including Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. This stock acquisition and subsequent business alliance with KCT will enable JP to create a sales structure with a solid foothold in the Indian paper market, a market that is expected to experience high growth in the future. In doing so, JP will seek to further expand its business activities in India, while striving to enhance the level of service it provides its customers. Furthermore, JP will utilize this enhanced network to actively promote the sale of Indian-made products in the markets of Europe, North America and Asia.

Note: Yen values calculated at a rate of 1.65 Japanese yen to 1 Indian rupee.