VERSO ANNOUNCES CLOSURE OF BUCKSPORT, MAINE PAPER MILL

Bucksport, Maine - Verso Paper Corp. (NYSE:VRS) today announced plans to close its paper mill in Bucksport, Maine. The closure of the mill is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2014. The mill closure will reduce Verso’s coated groundwood paper production capacity by approximately 350,000 tons and its specialty paper production capacity by approximately 55,000 tons.

“The Bucksport mill unfortunately has not been profitable for a number of years, in spite of our employees’ dedicated efforts to make it so. Our assessment indicates that it is impossible for the mill to achieve profitability in today’s marketplace,” said Verso President and Chief Executive Officer, Dave Paterson.

“This decision is especially difficult because of the significant impact that the closure of the

Statement of Governor LePage on Verso Paper

Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage released the following statement about today's announcement from Verso Paper:

"I learned about closure of the Bucksport mill late this afternoon. I have spoken to Verso Paper CEO David Patterson and I continue to receive information. I have called an emergency meeting with my economic development team who is committed to working with Verso and other interested parties in order to keep the mill open. We will assess any and all options as we move forward. I have rearranged my schedule to attend to this developing situation and will be in the Bangor region Thursday.

"My thoughts are with the workers and families who are affected by this closure. As an Administration, we stand ready to provide resources to them, including the training and support needed to transition into new job opportunities. The Department of Labor has mobilized a team to assist these workers and will do everything it can to help them during this difficult time. "