PURCHASE, N.Y., International Paper (NYSE: IP) and Premdor Inc. (NYSE: PI; Toronto: PDI) jointly announced today that they have received a request from the U.S. Department of Justice for additional information under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act regarding the proposed acquisition by Premdor Inc. of the Masonite business. The companies said that they are working to respond to the second request and remain optimistic that after completion of the government's review the proposed merger will receive antitrust clearance and will close in the first quarter of 2001. Premdor operates over 60 facilities in eight countries and has over 8,400 employees. The Premdor Group of Companies manufacture, merchandise and sell their products to large distributors, jobbers, home center chains and wholesale and retail building supply dealers across North, Central, and South America, France, the United Kingdom, Israel, and other countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. International Paper is the world's largest paper and forest products company. Businesses include printing papers, packaging, building materials, chemical pro ducts and distribution. As one of the largest private forest landowners in the world, the company manages its forests under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI(SM)) program, a system that ensures the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees while protecting wildlife, plants, soil, air and water quality. Headquartered in the United States, International Paper has operations in nearly 50 countries, employs more than 117,000 people and exports its products to more than 130 nations.