Domtar has completed the sale of its Engineered Absorbent Materials business, EAM Corporation, to Saothair Capital Partners, marking another step in the group’s strategic reshaping around core forest products and packaging. The transaction transfers Domtar’s shares in EAM to Saothair, a US-based private equity firm focused on middle‑market manufacturing and industrial companies; financial terms were not disclosed.
Based in Jesup, Georgia, EAM designs and manufactures airlaid and laminated absorbent materials used in hygiene, medical, industrial and food packaging applications. Its portfolio serves markets including feminine hygiene, adult incontinence, baby diapers and specialty absorbent products, supported by three proprietary product platforms developed with major global brands over several decades.
Steve Henry, President, Domtar USA and CEO, Paper and Packaging, said the divestment aligns with Domtar’s transformation strategy. He thanked EAM employees for their contribution and described Saothair as a strong partner to support the business in its next phase. Domtar said it will work closely with Saothair and EAM’s management team to ensure a smooth transition, with Saothair indicating its intention to continue operating the Jesup site and maintaining relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and the local community.
Saothair backs existing EAM leadership
Following the acquisition, EAM’s current General Manager, Vanecia Carr, will become Chief Executive Officer, while Lori Venn will take the role of Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Saothair highlighted EAM’s technical capabilities, long-term relationships with blue‑chip customers and growth potential as key drivers of the deal.
“EAM is a high-quality specialty manufacturer with a differentiated product portfolio, long-term relationships with leading blue-chip customers and significant growth potential,” said Kevin Madden, Co‑founder and Managing Partner at Saothair. He said the firm is “extremely excited” to partner with the existing management team to support the next phase of development.
Saothair Operating Partner Richard Lozyniak underlined plans to focus on operational excellence and customer experience, while new board member Michael Fagan, who brings extensive absorbent hygiene industry experience, pointed to the strength of EAM’s technology and people. EAM’s leadership team described the deal as an opportunity to accelerate strategic priorities, invest in capabilities and pursue new opportunities alongside existing customers. Domtar was advised by BMO Capital Markets and Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, while McGuireWoods LLP served as legal counsel to Saothair.
Domtar is a privately held manufacturer of diversified forest products with more than 13,000 employees at over 60 locations across North America. The company has annual production capacity of 6.8 million metric tons of pulp, paper, packaging and tissue, and about 2.6 billion board feet of lumber and other wood products. Domtar is owned by investor Jackson Wijaya.
Saothair is a private investment firm focused on controlling equity investments in middle‑market manufacturing and industrial businesses. Its portfolio spans sectors including paper and packaging, plastics, metals processing, automotive, building products, healthcare-related products and food and beverage.
