Finnish company purchases 4 Wisconsin paper mills

KAUKAUNA — A Finnish company has signed a definitive agreement to purchase four paper mills in Wisconsin for $615 million.

Expera Specialty Solutions has been sold to Ahlstom-Munksjo, a publicly traded paper company based in Helsinki, Finland.

Expera spokeswoman Addie Teeters says operations at the Kaukauna mill and its three sister mills in Wisconsin are expected to continue operating under the new owner. She says employment will also be unchanged.

Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson calls the move a positive development for the company.

The transaction is expected to be completed later in the year.

Expera makes specialty paper products for uses that include industrial, technical and food packaging. The company currently employs about 1,800 people. Its Kaukauna mill has been operating for 135 years.