ATLANTA, GA (News release) - Hood Container Corporation announced that it has entered into an agreement to buy the packaging assets of Independent II in Louisville, KY.

Independent II's assets will complement Hood Container's footprint and create greater converting capacity for Hood Container in the increasingly important Kentucky and Ohio region. The transaction is expected to close in the near future.

Charlie Hodges, President and COO of Hood Container Corporation, commented, "Independent II adds impressive assets and capabilities to Hood Container's current portfolio. Additionally, its location allows increased presence and growth in markets we currently serve. We are excited to add these capabilities to Hood's offerings to better serve and care for Hood's and I2's existing and new customers."

Neil MacDonald, CEO of Independent II commended "I2's team is excited to join the Hood Container family and looks forward to continuing the mission that I2 started 18 years ago to be the premier supplier of corrugated packaging in the greater Louisville area. We look forward to assisting Hood Container in reaching the full potential of I2's state-of-the-art assets and in continuing to provide quality products and services to our customers."

Hood Container operates locations in seventeen states. The company also owns and operates linerboard, medium, and multiwall paper manufacturing operations in New Johnsonville, TN and St. Francisville, LA.