The closure of Besse Forest Products, a company hardwood veneer, lumber, and specialty plywood manufacturing, presents an opportunity for industrial operators to acquire large-scale, fully operational sawmills and veneer mills, but only until the end of October, when the turnkey sale will conclude.
The real estate at four Wisconsin sites (Ladysmith, Goodman, Mattoon, and Rice Lake) is owned and will be included in the sale, while the facilities in Gladstone and Baraga, Michigan, are leased.
If no buyers secure the entire operation by October 31, the assets will be sold off in pieces starting in November. Turnkey buyers can submit bids on single, multiple or all facilities.
Industry experts note that this sale presents a rare chance for expansion within the U.S. market. “Besse Forest Products Group was a major player in wood products, and this sale represents a rare opportunity for an operator to increase their footprint with ready-to-run facilities,” Bob Pabst, president of HyperAMS, said.
“This could be a last-chance opportunity for buyers seeking a comprehensive acquisition of fully functioning facilities,” Colin Murphy, president of James G. Murphy, which is co-managing the sale, said.
Inspections of the properties and equipment are available by appointment throughout October.
Interested buyers are encouraged to visit the following links for more information on the assets available and the bidding process: