Jan 11, 2008. /Lesprom Network/. Metso has concluded an agreement to divest the panelboard business in Nastola, Finland, and MDF business in Sundsvall, Sweden, to Dieffenbacher GmbH + Co. KG, Germany. The transaction is estimated to be closed by the end of January 2008. The divestment is in line with Metso Paper’s strategy to develop its profitability. The transaction value is not disclosed. The refiner-related operations in Sundsvall, Sweden, will remain in Metso’s ownership and are not included in the transaction. This unit with its 40 employees will continue to supply fiber preparation technology to the global MDF industry as a part of Metso Paper. Metso Panelboard, a part of Metso Paper business area, has been going through an improvement program since 2006, and has been able to improve its profitability and operational efficiency. Dieffenbacher, Germany, develops and manufactures press systems and complete production systems for the wood-based panel industry. Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation. Its 26,000 employees in more than 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock and minerals processing, the energy industry and selected other industries.