Westervelt and CDPQ announce new strategic partnership focused on sustainable timberland, with acquisition in Georgia

The Westervelt Company and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), a global investment group, today announced the acquisition of more than 76,000 acres (307 km2) of high-quality pine timberland and the creation of a new strategic partnership that will focus on sustainable timberland management. 

The newly acquired property had been owned and managed for nearly a century by Superior Pine Products, a family-owned company headquartered in Georgia. 

“This was a rare opportunity to purchase a special timberland asset in southeast Georgia. The land matches Westervelt’s strategic growth and diversification objectives, and its age class distribution balances growth and sustainability goals,” said Westervelt President and CEO Brian Luoma.

“This transaction illustrates what our Sustainable Land Management initiative is all about: investing in land with partners who truly share our values and culture of investing constructively. That’s why we are delighted to join forces with Westervelt, a family-owned business focused on environmental stewardship and innovation, for this first investment in the United States as part of this partnership. Working forests are unique assets and we believe they will become of increasing importance in the fight against climate change and the transition to a greener economy,” said Emmanuel Jaclot, Executive Vice-President and Head of Infrastructure at CDPQ.

“This is more than a land deal for us. Superior Pine shares Westervelt’s commitments to sustainability, responsible land management and stewardship. This land will be managed into the future in a manner that honors the Superior legacy. CDPQ shares the same organizational values and is respected for their impactful and innovative investment approach that is aligned with our long-term sustainable land management objectives,” said Cade Warner, Chief Sustainability Officer at Westervelt.

“As we move forward with our strategic plan to geographically diversify our timberland holdings, this transaction will enable our Company to grow in other market areas while retaining ownership in our core area of operations.  Westervelt and CDPQ align with our Company values and commitment to sustainability, so we are excited about this opportunity for all entities and look forward to future possibilities for growth,” said Scott Griffin, President and CEO at Superior Pine Products Company.

The Westervelt Company, headquartered in Tuscaloosa, Ala., was founded in 1884 by Herbert Westervelt, and is still family-owned and managed. Westervelt has a long history of land stewardship, sustainability, environmental excellence and quality. The company’s legacy of innovation was a key driver in their interest in partnering with CDPQ.