SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST, 2003
Commission file number: 1-14872
SAPPI LIMITED
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
48 AMESHOFF STREET
BRAAMFONTEIN
JOHANNESBURG 2001
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
---
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in
paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in
paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in
this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
Yes No X
---
If "Yes" is marked, indicated below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82-
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In order to utilize the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"), Sappi Limited
(the "Company") is providing the following cautionary statement. Except for
historical information contained herein, statements contained in this Report
on Form 6-K may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
the Reform Act. The words "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "intend",
"estimate ", "plan", "assume", "positioned", "will", "may", "should", "risk"
and other similar expressions which are predictions of or indicate future
events and future trends which do not relate to historical matters identify
forward-looking statements. In addition, this Report on Form 6-K may include
forward-looking statements relating to the Company's potential exposure to
various types of market risks, such as interest rate risk, foreign exchange
rate risk and commodity price risk. Reliance should not be placed on
forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which are in some cases beyond the control of
the Company, together with its subsidiaries (the "Group"), and may cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of the Group to differ materially
from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements (and from past results, performance
or achievements). Certain factors that may cause such differences include but
are not limited to: the highly cyclical nature of the pulp and paper industry;
pulp and paper production, production capacity and pricing levels in North
America, Europe, Asia and southern Africa; any major disruption in production
at the Group's key facilities; changes in environmental, tax and other laws
and regulations; adverse changes in the markets for the Group's products; any
delays, unexpected costs or other problems experienced with any business
acquired or to be acquired; consequences of the Group's leverage; adverse
changes in the South African political situation and economy or the effect of
governmental efforts to address present or future economic or social problems;
and the impact of future investments, acquisitions and dispositions (including
the financing of investments and acquisitions) and any delays, unexpected
costs or other problems experienced in connection with dispositions. These and
other risks, uncertainties and factors are discussed in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 20-F and other filings with and submissions to the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including this Report on Form 6-K. Shareholders and
prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of
the date of the submission of this Report on Form 6-K and are not intended to
give any assurance as to future results. The Company undertakes no obligation
to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether
to reflect new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.
SAPPI LIMITED
___________________________________________________________________________
22 October 2003
New CEO of Sappi's Forest Products Division and Managing Director of Sappi
Forests announced.
___________________________________________________________________________
Sappi announced today that Andre Wagenaar has been appointed as the CEO of
Sappi's Forest Products Division with effect from 1 January 2004, when Dr John
Job relinquishes his responsibilities for the Southern African Businesses. The
Forest Products Division manages Sappi's plantation, pulp and commodity paper
businesses in South Africa.
Sappi announced on 23 May 2003 that John Job will continue in his position as
Group Director of Technology with responsibilities for technology coordination
and development, risk management and sustainable development and with his
responsibilities as an Executive Director and Member of the Board of Sappi
Limited.
Andre Wagenaar is currently Managing Director of Sappi Forests, responsible
for Sappi's plantation and sawmills in South Africe. He will join the
Executive Committee of Sappi Limited. He has been with Sappi for 11 years and
held the position of Managing Director of Sappi Timber Industries from 1992
until 2000. He holds a B.Sc. degree in chemistry from the University of
Stellenbosch.
Dinga Mncube will succeed Andre Wagenaar as Managing Director of Sappi
Forests. He is currently the Forestry Director of Sappi Forests and previously
held general management positions in Sappi Forests and Sappi Timber Products.
He has been with Sappi for 10 years and holds a B.Sc. degree in Forest
Management from Washington State University and a M.Sc. degree in Forest
Products from the University of Idaho.
Sappi Forests manages approximately 500,000 hectares of forestland in South
Africa and employs approximately 1,900 people.
Commenting on the appointments, Jonathan Leslie, Chief Executive of Sappi
Limited said, "I am delighted to announce the appointment of Andre Wagenaar to
this key role. He has a proven track record of leadership within Sappi and has
particular strengths in manufacturing, product innovation and commercial
negotiations. Dinga joins our senior management ranks having demonstrated his
managerial ability running Sappi's sawmills and plantations. He will make a
major contribution to our management team."
For further information contact:
Andre F Oberholzer
Corporate Affairs and Communication Manager
Sappi Limited
Tel +27 (0)11 407 8044
Fax +27 (0)11403 8236
Cell +27 (0)82 906 0638
Andre.Oberholzer@za.sappi.com
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SAPPI LIMITED
by /s/ D.G. Wilson
-------------------------------------
Name: D.G. Wilson
Title: Executive Director: Finance
Date: October 30, 2003