Smurfit-Stone Announces Joint Venture with U.K.-Based Weedon psc

This newly formed joint venture reinforces Smurfit-Stone'slongstanding relationship with Weedon psc. Working together, they willprovide value-added, creative, shelf-ready packaging and supply chainsolutions to retailers in the U.K. The agreement further enhancesSmurfit-Stone's abilities to offer complete merchandising solutions toEuropean-based retailers as well as North American retailers operatingin Europe.

"We are excited to strengthen our alliance with Weedon psc throughthe formation of i2i Europe," said Lane Hunter, senior vice presidentand general manager of Smurfit-Stone's i2i merchandising business."This agreement underscores Smurfit-Stone's commitment to provideinnovative solutions to our customers by partnering with a network ofservice providers as we continue to seek growth opportunities intoday's evolving marketplace."

"We are delighted to have formed this joint venture withSmurfit-Stone. i2i Europe is an exciting and highly significantopportunity to add value to both European retailers and their globalsupplier base," said John Weedon, managing director of Weedon psc."This unique partnership will combine retailer-focused design andsupply chain solutions, supported by the Smurfit-Stone globalpackaging manufacturing base."

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (Nasdaq: SSCC) is theindustry's leading integrated manufacturer of paperboard andpaper-based packaging. Smurfit-Stone is a leading producer ofcontainerboard, including white top linerboard and recycled medium;corrugated containers; point-of-purchase displays; multiwall andspecialty bags; and clay-coated recycled boxboard; and is one of theworld's largest collectors and marketers of recovered fiber. Inaddition, Smurfit-Stone is a leading producer of solid bleachedsulfate, folding cartons, flexible packaging, and labels. The companyoperates approximately 250 facilities, located primarily in the U.S.,Canada and Mexico, and employs approximately 35,000 people. www.smurfit-stone.com