Mercado Minerals Ltd.CSE: MERC

Mercer International Inc. Reports 2006 First Quarter Results

· Issued by Mercado Minerals Ltd. via CNW
NEW YORK, May 5 /CNW/ -- Mercer International Inc.
(Nasdaq: MERC; TSX: MRI.U) today reported results for the first quarter of
2006.


Summary Selected Highlights

                                              Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                   2006           2005
                                                    (in thousands)
Results of Operations                                 (unaudited)
Revenues                                    euro 159,064    euro 97,893
Income (loss) from operations                     11,505           (894)
Operating EBITDA(1)                               25,419         10,093
Interest expense Stendal                          15,283         11,845
Interest expense other                             7,642          7,418
Realized loss on derivative instruments           (3,562)          (295)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments  44,377         (3,564)
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt           6,113          2,297
Net income (loss)                                 16,588        (19,667)
Income (loss) per share
  Basic                                             0.50          (0.77)
  Diluted                                           0.41          (0.77)
Other Data
Total pulp sales volume(2) (ADMTs)               327,101        199,224
Mill net pulp price realizations (per ADMT)(3)       425            409

(1) For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 6 of this press release
    and for a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Operating EBITDA, see
    page 7 of the financial tables included in this press release.

(2) Excluding intercompany sales volumes of 4,986 ADMTs and 3,489 ADMTs of
    pulp in the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

(3) Excluding revenues from third party transportation activities.


                                              As at             As at
                                         March 31, 2006     March 31, 2005
                                                  (in thousands)
Financial Position (Current)
Cash and cash equivalents                 euro 80,350        euro 83,547
Cash restricted                                 6,298              7,039
Receivables                                    78,472             74,315
Inventories                                    71,295             81,147
Prepaid expenses and other                      5,191              5,474
Accounts payable and accrued expenses        (109,625)          (111,513)
Construction costs payable                     (1,060)            (1,213)
Debt, current portion                         (74,338)           (27,601)
Working capital(1)                             56,583            111,195

(1) Does not include approximately euro 7.0 million of government grants
    in 2006, which we expect to receive in 2006, and approximately euro
    65.9 million of government grants in 2005, all of which has been
    received, related to the Stendal mill from German federal and state
    governments.

Certain key factors affecting our 2006 first quarter results include:

 Revenues increased by over 60% to euro 159.1 million from euro 97.9
  million in the comparative period of 2005, primarily due to the
  inclusion of sales from our Celgar pulp mill for the full quarter and
  higher sales from the Stendal pulp mill.

 Operating EBITDA increased by approximately 152% to euro 25.4 million in
  the first quarter from euro 10.1 million in the 2005 comparative quarter
  because of improving pulp markets and improved results from our Stendal
  and Rosenthal mills.  For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 6
  of this press release and for a reconciliation of net income to
  Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of the financial tables included in this
  press release.

 Interest expense increased to euro 22.9 million in the first quarter of
  2006 from euro 19.3 million in the comparative period of 2005 reflecting
  higher borrowings associated with the Stendal mill and incremental
  interest on our $310 million 9.25% senior notes issued in February 2005.

 The Stendal mill ramp up is proceeding substantially as scheduled.  In
  the quarter, it operated at approximately 95% of its initial rated
  capacity, and production and sales revenues were up by approximately 21%
  and 49%, respectively, over the same period of 2005.  Further, Stendal
  mill net realizations also improved as a result of higher pulp prices,
  increased contract sales in Europe and lower spot market sales in Asian
  markets.

 We recorded a net unrealized gain of euro 44.4 million on our interest
  rate and currency derivatives in the first quarter of 2006, compared to
  a net unrealized loss of euro 3.6 million on our outstanding derivatives
  in the comparative period of 2005.  We had a realized loss of euro 3.6
  million on certain currency forwards that matured in the current
  quarter, compared to a realized loss of euro 0.3 million in the
  comparative period of 2005.  We also recorded an unrealized non-cash
  foreign exchange gain on our long-term debt of euro 6.1 million in the
  current quarter due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar, compared to an
  unrealized gain of euro 2.3 million in the first quarter of 2005.

 Pulp markets strengthened quarter over quarter.  Average list prices for
  NBSK pulp in Europe were $618 per ADMT in the first quarter of 2006 and
  $600 per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to $642 per ADMT
  in the first quarter of 2005.

 Mill net pulp realizations increased to euro 425 per ADMT in the first
  quarter of 2006 from euro 413 and euro 409 per ADMT in the fourth and
  first quarters of 2005, respectively.

Results of Operations - 2006 First Quarter
Selected production and sales data for the three months ended March 31,
2006 and 2005 is as follows:


                                              Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                 2006            2005
                                                       (ADMTs)
Production by Product Class:
  Pulp production by mill:
    Rosenthal                                   76,154         75,872
    Stendal                                    130,877        107,981
    Celgar                                     111,437         60,762
      Total pulp production                    318,468        244,615
  Paper production                              17,175         15,958
      Total production                         335,643        260,573
Sales Volume by Product Class:
  Pulp sales volume by mill:
    Rosenthal                                   76,226         78,804
    Stendal                                    140,514        102,073
    Celgar                                     110,361         18,347
      Total pulp sales volume(1)               327,101        199,224
  Paper sales volume                            16,602         16,638
      Total sales volume(1)                    343,703        215,862

Revenues by Product Class:                         (in thousands)
  Pulp revenues by mill:
    Rosenthal                              euro 33,727    euro 33,389
    Stendal                                     59,781         40,528
    Celgar                                      46,297          7,616
      Total pulp revenues(1)                   139,805         81,533
 Paper revenues                                 17,238         15,366
      Total pulp and paper sales
       revenues(1)                             157,043         96,899
 Third party transportation revenues             2,021            994
      Total sales revenues                euro 159,064    euro 97,893

(1) Excluding intercompany sales volumes of 4,986 ADMTs and 3,489 ADMTs of
    pulp and intercompany net sales revenues of approximately euro 2.4
    million and euro 1.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006
    and 2005, respectively.

Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2006 increased to euro 159.1
million from euro 97.9 million in the comparative period of 2005, primarily
due to the inclusion of sales from our Celgar mill for the full quarter of
2006 and higher sales from the Stendal mill. Pulp sales by volume increased to
327,101 ADMTs in the first quarter of 2006 from 199,224 ADMTs in the
comparative period of 2005.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses in the first
quarter of 2006 increased to euro 153.2 million from euro 98.8 million in the
comparative period of 2005, primarily as a result of the inclusion of a full
quarter of results of our Celgar mill and higher production at our Stendal
mill.
For the first quarter of 2006, revenues from our pulp operations increased
to euro 141.8 million from euro 82.5 million in the same period a year ago.
List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately euro 514 ($618) per
ADMT in the first quarter of 2006 and euro 506 ($600) per ADMT in the fourth
quarter of 2005, compared to approximately euro 490 ($642) per ADMT in the
comparative period of last year.
Mill net pulp sales realizations increased to euro 425 per ADMT on average
in the first quarter of 2006 from euro 409 per ADMT in the first quarter of
2005, primarily as a result of higher pulp prices.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the pulp
operations increased to euro 137.5 million in the first quarter of 2006 from
euro 82.8 million in the comparative period of 2005, primarily due to the
inclusion of the results of the Celgar mill and higher sales at our Stendal
mill.
Fiber costs at our German pulp mills increased by approximately 12.3% in
the first quarter of 2006 versus the same quarter of 2005.  This resulted from
severe winter conditions in Germany and central Europe during the period,
which caused sawmillers and log harvesters to curtail operations which reduced
fiber availability and increased fiber costs.  In the first quarter of 2006,
average fiber costs at our Celgar mill decreased by approximately 22% versus
the same quarter of 2005, primarily because of increased woodchip availability
resulting from higher production at regional sawmills.
In the first quarter of 2006, we recorded a contribution to income from
operations of euro 5.6 million resulting from the sale of emission allowances.
Depreciation for the pulp operations increased to euro 13.6 million in the
first quarter of 2006, from euro 10.8 million in the comparative period of
2005, primarily as a result of depreciation associated with the Celgar mill.
For the first quarter of 2006, our pulp operations generated operating
income of euro 12.2 million, versus operating income of euro 1.3 million in
the comparative quarter of 2005, primarily due to the higher operating income
at our German pulp mills, including a contribution of euro 5.6 million from
the sale of emission allowances, partially offset by an operating loss at our
Celgar mill.  As NBSK pulp is generally quoted in U.S. dollars, the overall
strength of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar negatively impacted our
Celgar mill's sales realizations and results.  Further, near the end of the
first quarter of 2006, our Celgar mill took approximately two weeks of planned
maintenance downtime, of which approximately five days were in March and the
balance in April.
Revenues from our paper operations in the current quarter increased to
euro 17.2 million from euro 15.4 million in the same quarter of last year as a
result of higher sales volumes and a change in the product mix.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the paper
operations in the first quarter of 2006 increased to euro 16.9 million from
euro 15.6 million in the comparative quarter of 2005.
For the first quarter of 2006, our paper operations generated operating
income of euro 0.5 million, compared to an operating loss of euro 0.3 million
in the first quarter of 2005.
In the first quarter of 2006, we had income from operations of euro 11.5
million, compared to a loss from operations of euro 0.9 million in the same
quarter last year. Interest expense in the first quarter of 2006 increased to
euro 22.9 million from euro 19.3 million in the year ago period, due to higher
borrowings relating to the Stendal mill and incremental interest on our $310
million senior note issue completed in February 2005.
Stendal entered into certain foreign currency derivatives to swap all of
its long-term bank indebtedness from Euros to U.S. dollars in 2005 and certain
currency forwards.  In addition, Stendal previously entered into interest rate
swaps to fix the interest rate on its outstanding bank indebtedness.  Due to
the weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro and an increase in long-term
interest rates, we recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding gain of euro
44.4 million before minority interests upon the marked to market valuation of
such derivatives that were outstanding at the end of the current quarter,
compared to a net non-cash holding loss of euro 3.6 million before minority
interests upon the marked to market valuation of our outstanding derivatives
in the comparative quarter of 2005. In the first quarter of 2006, we had a
realized loss of euro 3.6 million on certain currency forwards which had
matured, compared to a realized loss of euro 0.3 million on derivative
instruments in the first quarter of 2005.
In the first quarter of 2006, minority interest, representing the two
minority shareholders' proportionate interest in the Stendal mill, was euro
0.4 million, compared to euro 6.6 million in the first quarter of 2005.
We reported net income for the first quarter of 2006 of euro 16.6 million,
or euro 0.50 per basic and euro 0.41 per diluted share, which reflected an
unrealized gain of euro 44.4 million on our outstanding derivatives, an
unrealized non-cash foreign exchange gain on our long-term debt of euro 6.1
million and improved results at our German pulp mills. In the first quarter of
2005, we reported a net loss of euro 19.7 million, or euro 0.77 per basic
share and diluted share, which included net losses on our derivatives of euro
3.9 million and a non-cash impairment charge of euro 1.6 million relating to
investments.
We generated "Operating EBITDA" of euro 25.4 million and euro 10.1 million
in the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Operating
EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from operations plus depreciation and
amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. Management
uses Operating EBITDA as a benchmark measurement of its own operating results,
and as a benchmark relative to its competitors. Management considers it to be
a meaningful supplement to operating income as a performance measure primarily
because depreciation expense and non-recurring capital asset impairment
charges are not an actual cash cost, and depreciation expense varies widely
from company to company in a manner that management considers largely
independent of the underlying cost efficiency of their operating facilities.
In addition, we believe Operating EBITDA is commonly used by securities
analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate our financial
performance.
Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that
affect our net income (loss), including financing costs and the effect of
derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial
performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net
income (loss) or income (loss) from operations as a measure of performance,
nor as an alternative to net cash from operating activities as a measure of
liquidity.  Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical
tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for
analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. For a reconciliation of net
loss to Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of the financial tables included in this
press release.

President's Comments
Mr. Jimmy S.H. Lee, President and Chairman, stated:  "During the first
quarter of 2006:

 Pulp markets were stronger than the last and comparative quarters of
  2005.  NBSK list prices in Europe, which were $600 per ADMT in December
  2005, improved to $630 per ADMT at the end of the quarter.  Further,
  during the period, list prices in Asian markets improved by
  approximately $50 per ADMT.

 Our ramp up of the Stendal mill continued substantially on plan.  It
  operated at approximately 95% of its initial rated capacity and
  production and revenues were up by approximately 21% and 49%,
  respectively, over the same period of 2005.  It also recorded
  substantially better operating results.  Stendal also built up its debt
  service account, which approximates one year's worth of principal and
  interest under its project loan facility, to euro 66.5 million as
  planned by drawing euro 42.0 million under a tranche of such facility.
  This account is recorded as a long-term asset and is a principal reason
  for our reduction in working capital at March 31, 2006.

 Improvements in pulp prices and markets were partially offset by
  seasonal reduced fiber availability and higher fiber costs at our German
  pulp mills.  Conversely, our Celgar mill enjoyed a reduction in fiber
  costs as its regional sawmills ramped up production.  The Celgar mill's
  lower fiber costs and other operating improvements were offset by the
  continuing strength of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar in the
  period and planned maintenance downtime.  The Celgar mill's euro 20
  million capital plan to increase efficiency, production and quality and
  lower costs continued substantially on plan.

 Our global pulp sales and marketing team worked effectively and
  increased the amount of contract regular business to our most transport
  logical customers and reduced the amount of spot sales.

Mr. Lee continued:  "Our first quarter results reflect generally improving
pulp markets.  Despite some production slow downs and higher fiber costs at
our German pulp mills because of reduced fiber availability and five days of
maintenance downtime at our Celgar mill, our Operating EBITDA increased by
approximately 152% to euro 25.4 million from euro 10.1 million in the prior
period."
Mr. Lee continued:  "During the current period, we recorded a non-cash
marked to market gain on our derivative instruments of euro 44.4 million and
an unrealized foreign exchange gain on our indebtedness of euro 6.1 million.
Net income for the first quarter of 2006 was euro 16.6 million or euro 0.50
per basic share and euro 0.41 per diluted share.  In the first quarter of
2005, we reported a loss of euro 19.7 million or euro 0.77 per share."  He
added:  "The market for emission allowances is relatively new and volatile and
at the end of April 2006, such market weakened materially.  Based upon our
current activities to date, we currently estimate that our overall emission
allowances sales in 2006 will be at or near our total for 2005."
Mr. Lee continued:  "Looking forward, we are seeing improvements in pulp
prices and demand in all of our markets which we currently believe should
result in further price improvement in the upcoming months.  List NBSK prices
have further increased in April 2006 in Europe to approximately $650 per tonne
and in Asia to approximately $570 per tonne."
Mr. Lee concluded:  "We believe that our large, modern and efficient NBSK
pulp mills have us well-positioned to realize upon the improving NBSK pulp
market to create value for our stakeholders."
In conjunction with this release, Mercer International will host a
conference call, which will be simultaneously broadcast live over the
Internet.  Management will host the call, which is scheduled for Monday, May
8, 2006 at 10:00 AM EST.  Listeners can access the conference call live and
archived over the Internet through a link at the company's web site at
http://www.mercerint.com/en/newsCurrent.cfm, or at
http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=33761.  Please allow 15 minutes
prior to the call to visit the site and download and install any necessary
audio software.  A replay of this call will be available approximately two
hours after the live call ends until May 15, 2006 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern
Standard Time).  The replay number is (800) 642-1687, and the passcode is
8776197.

Mercer International Inc. is a global pulp and paper manufacturing
company.  To obtain further information on the company, please visit its web
site at http://www.mercerinternational.com.

The preceding includes forward looking statements which involve known and
unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the Company's actual results
in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Among those
factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the
following: market conditions, competition and other risk factors listed from
time to time in the company's SEC reports.



                      MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005
                         (Euros in thousands)

                                                March 31,     December 31,
                                                    2006             2005
ASSETS
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents                  euro 80,350   euro    83,547
  Cash restricted                                  6,298            7,039
  Receivables                                     78,472           74,315
  Inventories                                     71,295           81,147
  Prepaid expenses and other                       5,191            5,474
    Total current assets                         241,606          251,522
Long-Term Assets
  Cash restricted                                 66,537           24,573
  Property, plant and equipment                1,013,529        1,024,662
  Investments                                      7,443            6,314
  Deferred note issuance and other costs           8,019            8,364
  Deferred income tax                             67,369           78,381
                                               1,162,897        1,142,294
    Total assets                          euro 1,404,503   euro 1,393,816
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses     euro 110,685     euro 112,726
  Debt, current portion                           74,338           27,601
    Total current liabilities                    185,023          140,327
Long-Term Liabilities
  Debt, less current portion                     904,957          922,619
  Unrealized foreign exchange rate derivative
   loss                                           45,162           61,979
  Unrealized interest rate derivative losses      55,141           78,646
  Pension and other post-retirement benefit
   obligations                                    16,647           17,113
  Capital leases and other                        10,875            9,945
  Deferred income tax                             24,214           14,444
                                               1,056,996        1,104,746
    Total liabilities                          1,242,019        1,245,073
Minority Interest                                      -                -
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common shares                                    181,586          181,586
Additional paid-in capital, stock options             50               14
Deficit                                          (31,382)         (47,970)
Accumulated other comprehensive income            12,230           15,113
    Total shareholders' equity                   162,484          148,743
    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity                               euro 1,404,503   euro 1,393,816

                                 (1)


                      MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
          For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
                             (Unaudited)
             (Euros in thousands, except per share data)

                                                   2006           2005

Revenues                                    euro 159,064    euro 97,893

Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales                                  144,339         90,989
                                                  14,725          6,904
  General and administrative expenses             (8,858)        (7,798)
  Sale (purchase) of emission allowances           5,638              -
Income (loss) from operations                     11,505           (894)

Other income (expense)
  Interest expense                               (22,925)       (19,263)
  Investment income                                1,744            175
  Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt         6,113          2,297
  Realized loss on derivative instruments         (3,562)          (295)
  Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative
   instruments                                    44,377         (3,564)
  Impairment of investments                            -         (1,645)
Total other income (expense)                      25,747        (22,295)

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority
 interest                                         37,252        (23,189)
Income tax provision                             (21,113)        (3,035)
Income (loss) before minority interest            16,139        (26,224)
Minority interest                                    449          6,557
Net income (loss)                            euro 16,588   euro (19,667)

(Deficit) retained earnings, beginning
 of period                                       (47,970)        69,176
(Deficit) retained earnings, end of
 period                                     euro (31,382)   euro 49,509

Income (loss) per share
  Basic                                        euro 0.50     euro (0.77)
  Diluted                                      euro 0.41     euro (0.77)

                                 (2)


                      MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

                     BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
          For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
                             (Unaudited)
                         (Euros in thousands)

                        Rosenthal     Celgar(1)     Stendal       Total
                          Pulp         Pulp          Pulp         Pulp
Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2006
Sales to external
 customers           euro 34,672  euro 46,297  euro 60,699   euro 141,668
Intersegment net
 sales                        42            -        2,315          2,357
                          34,714       46,297       63,014        144,025
Operating costs           23,987       45,565       48,125        117,677
Operating depreciation
 and amortization          3,537        3,014        7,059         13,610
General and
 administrative            1,327        2,124        2,757          6,208
(Sale) purchase of
  emission allowances     (1,767)           -       (3,871)        (5,638)
                          27,084       50,703       54,070        131,857
Income (loss) from
 operations                7,630       (4,406)       8,944         12,168
Interest expense
Investment income
Derivative financial
 instruments, net
Unrealized foreign
 exchange gain on debt

Income before income
 taxes and minority
 interest

Segment assets      euro 348,533 euro 237,558 euro 770,345 euro 1,356,436


Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2005
Sales to external
customers            euro 34,096   euro 7,616  euro 40,798    euro 82,510
Intersegment net
 sales                         -            -        1,554          1,554
                          34,096        7,616       42,352         84,064

Operating costs           25,188        5,135       37,135         67,458
Operating
 depreciation and
 amortization              3,268          823        6,681         10,772
General and
 administrative            1,901        1,675          975          4,551
                          30,357        7,633       44,791         82,781
Income (loss) from
 operations                3,739          (17)      (2,439)         1,283

Interest expense
Investment income
Derivative financial
 instruments, net
Unrealized foreign
 exchange gain on debt
Impairment of
 investments

Loss before income
 taxes and minority
 interest

Segment assets      euro 349,865 euro 220,739 euro 915,178 euro 1,485,782


                                              Corporate,
                                              Other and      Consolidated
                                 Paper       Eliminations      Total
Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2006
Sales to external
 customers                  euro 17,396        euro   -    euro 159,064
Intersegment net sales                -          (2,357)              -
                                 17,396          (2,357)        159,064
Operating costs                  15,518          (2,770)        130,425
Operating depreciation and
 amortization                       226              78          13,914
General and administrative        1,141           1,509           8,858
(Sale) purchase of emission
 allowances                           -               -          (5,638)
                                 16,885          (1,183)        147,559
Income (loss) from operations       511          (1,174)         11,505
Interest expense                                                (22,925)
Investment income                                                 1,744
Derivative financial
 instruments, net                                                40,815
Unrealized foreign
 exchange gain on debt                                            6,113

Income before income
 taxes and minority
 interest                                                   euro 37,252

Segment assets              euro 22,032     euro 26,035  euro 1,404,503


Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2005
Sales to external
 customers                  euro 15,383         euro  -     euro 97,893
Intersegment net sales                -          (1,554)              -
                                 15,383          (1,554)         97,893

Operating costs                  14,231          (1,687)         80,002
Operating depreciation
 and amortization                   181              34          10,987
General and administrative        1,236           2,011           7,798
                                 15,648             358          98,787
 Income (loss) from
  operations                       (265)         (1,912)           (894)

Interest expense                                                (19,263)
Investment income                                                   175
Derivative financial
 instruments, net                                                (3,859)
Unrealized foreign exchange
 gain on debt                                                     2,297
Impairment of investments                                        (1,645)

Loss before income taxes
 and minority interest                                     euro (23,189)

Segment assets               euro 24,911    euro 20,747  euro 1,531,440

(1) The results of the Celgar pulp mill are from the date of its
    acquisition on February 14, 2005.

                                 (3)


                      MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

               RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
                   Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
                         As at March 31, 2006
                         (Euros in thousands)

The terms of the indenture governing our 9.25% senior unsecured notes
requires that we provide the results of operations and financial condition of
Mercer International Inc. excluding its subsidiaries ("Mercer Inc.") and our
restricted subsidiaries under the indenture, collectively referred to as the
"Restricted Group". As at and during the three months ended March 31, 2006,
the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding
subsidiaries and Rosenthal, and the Celgar mill. As at and during the year
ended December 31, 2005, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc.,
certain holding subsidiaries and Rosenthal, and the Celgar mill from the date
of its acquisition on February 14, 2005. The Restricted Group excludes our
paper operations and the Stendal mill.


                                           March 31, 2006

                      Restricted  Unrestricted                Consolidated
                        Group     Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Group
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash
   equivalents      euro 41,101   euro 39,249   euro     -     euro 80,350
  Cash restricted             -         6,298            -           6,298
  Receivables            37,327        41,145            -          78,472
  Inventories            44,466        26,829            -          71,295
  Prepaid expenses
   and other              2,823         2,368            -           5,191
Total current assets    125,717       115,889            -         241,606
Cash restricted               -        66,537            -          66,537
Property, plant and
 equipment              398,256       615,273            -       1,013,529
Other                    11,361         4,101            -          15,462
Deferred income tax      29,434        37,935            -          67,369
Due from unrestricted
 group                   39,253             -      (39,253)              -
Total assets       euro 604,021  euro 839,735 euro (39,253) euro 1,404,503

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable
   and accrued
   expenses         euro 42,300   euro 67,325   euro     -    euro 109,625
  Construction
   costs payable              -         1,060            -           1,060
  Debt, current portion       -        74,338            -          74,338
Total current
 liabilities             42,300       142,723            -         185,023
Debt, less current
 portion                328,984       575,973            -         904,957
Due to restricted group       -        39,253      (39,253)              -
Unrealized derivatives
 loss                         -       100,303            -         100,303
Other                    20,964         6,558            -          27,522
Deferred income tax       9,683        14,531            -          24,214
Total liabilities       401,931       879,341      (39,253)      1,242,019
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Total shareholders'
 equity (deficit)       202,090       (39,606)(1)        -         162,484
Total liabilities
 and shareholders'
 equity            euro 604,021  euro 839,735 euro (39,253) euro 1,404,503


(1) Shareholders' equity does not include government grants received or
    receivable related to the Stendal mill.  Shareholders' equity is
    impacted by the unrealized non-cash marked to market valuation losses
    on derivative financial instruments.

                                 (4)


                      MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

               RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
                   Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
                       As at December 31, 2005
                         (Euros in thousands)

                                          December 31, 2005

                      Restricted  Unrestricted                Consolidated
                        Group     Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Group
ASSETS
Current
  Cash and cash
   equivalents      euro 48,790   euro 34,757   euro     -     euro 83,547
  Cash restricted             -         7,039            -           7,039
  Receivables            41,349        32,966            -          74,315
  Inventories            47,100        34,047            -          81,147
  Prepaid expenses
   and other              2,940         2,534            -           5,474
Total current assets    140,179       111,343            -         251,522
Cash restricted               -        24,573            -          24,573
Property, plant and
 equipment              404,151       620,511            -       1,024,662
Other                    10,533         4,145            -          14,678
Deferred income tax      24,303        54,078            -          78,381
Due from unrestricted
 group                   46,412             -      (46,412)              -
Total assets       euro 625,578  euro 814,650 euro (46,412) euro 1,393,816
LIABILITIES
Current
  Accounts payable
  and accrued
  expenses          euro 46,867   euro 64,646   euro     -    euro 111,513
  Construction
   costs payable              -         1,213            -           1,213
  Debt, current portion       -        27,601            -          27,601
Total current
 liabilities             46,867        93,460            -         140,327
Debt, less current
 portion                342,023       580,596            -         922,619
Due to restricted group       -        46,412      (46,412)              -
Unrealized derivative loss    -       140,625            -         140,625
Other                    20,722         6,336            -          27,058
Deferred income tax       1,851        12,593            -          14,444
Total liabilities       411,463       880,022      (46,412)      1,245,073
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Total shareholders'
 equity (deficit)       214,115       (65,372)(1)        -         148,743
Total liabilities
 and shareholders'
 equity            euro 625,578  euro 814,650 euro (46,412) euro 1,393,816

(1) Shareholders' equity does not include government grants received or
    receivable related to the Stendal mill.  Shareholders' equity is
    impacted by the unrealized non-cash marked to market valuation losses
    on derivative financial instruments.

                                 (5)


                      MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

               RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
             Combined Condensed Statements of Operations
          For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
                             (Unaudited)
                         (Euros in thousands)

                                        March 31, 2006

                      Restricted  Unrestricted                Consolidated
                        Group     Subsidiaries  Eliminations      Group

Revenues           euro 81,011    euro 80,410  euro (2,357)  euro 159,064
Operating costs         69,139         61,286            -        130,425
Operating
 depreciation
 and amortization        6,629          7,285            -         13,914
General and
 administrative          4,960          3,898            -          8,858
(Sale) purchase of
  emission allowances   (1,767)        (3,871)           -         (5,638)
                        78,961         68,598            -        147,559
  Income (loss) from
   operations            2,050         11,812       (2,357)        11,505

Other income (expense)
  Interest expense      (8,463)       (15,337)         875        (22,925)
  Investment income      2,261            358         (875)         1,744
  Derivative financial
   instruments, net        (79)        40,894            -         40,815
  Foreign exchange
   gain on debt          6,113              -            -          6,113
  Total other expense     (168)        25,915            -         25,747
    Income (loss) before
     income taxes and
     minority interest   1,882         37,727       (2,357)        37,252
  Income tax provision  (2,841)       (18,080)        (192)       (21,113)
    Income (loss)
     before minority
     interest             (959)        19,647       (2,549)        16,139
  Minority interest          -            449            -            449
    Net income
     (loss)          euro (959)   euro 20,096  euro (2,549)   euro 16,588


                                         March 31, 2005

                      Restricted  Unrestricted                Consolidated
                        Group     Subsidiaries  Eliminations      Group

Revenues            euro 41,712   euro 56,181   euro     -    euro 97,893
Operating costs          29,973        50,029            -         80,002
Operating
 depreciation
 and amortization         4,125         6,645          217         10,987
General and
 administrative           5,587         2,211            -          7,798
                         39,685        58,885          217         98,787
  Income (loss) from
   operations             2,027        (2,704)        (217)          (894)

Other income (expense)
  Interest expense       (7,671)      (11,986)         394        (19,263)
  Investment income         328           309         (462)           175
  Derivative financial
   instruments, net        (105)       (3,754)           -         (3,859)
  Foreign exchange
   gain on debt           2,297             -            -          2,297
  Impairment of
   investments           (1,178)            -         (467)        (1,645)
  Total other expense    (6,329)      (15,431)        (535)       (22,295)
    Loss before income
     taxes and minority
     interest            (4,302)      (18,135)        (752)       (23,189)
Income tax provision     (3,115)           80            -         (3,035)
  Loss before minority
   interest              (7,417)      (18,055)        (752)       (26,224)
Minority interest             -         6,557            -          6,557
  Net loss          euro (7,417) euro (11,498)   euro (752)  euro (19,667)

                                 (6)


                      MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

                   COMPUTATION OF OPERATING EBITDA
            For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
                             (Unaudited)
                         (Euros in thousands)

                                                    Three Months Ended
                                                         March 31,
                                                   2006            2005(1)
                                                      (in thousands)

Net income (loss)                             euro 16,588   euro (19,667)
Minority interest                                    (449)        (6,557)
Income taxes                                       21,113          3,035
Interest expense                                   22,925         19,263
Investment income                                  (1,744)          (175)
Derivative financial instruments, net
 loss (gain)                                      (40,815)         3,859
Foreign exchange gain on debt                      (6,113)        (2,297)
Impairment of investments                               -          1,645
Income (loss) from operations                      11,505           (894)
Add: Depreciation and amortization                 13,914         10,987
Operating EBITDA(2)                           euro 25,419    euro 10,093

(1) The results of the Celgar pulp mill are included from the date of its
    acquisition on February 14, 2005.

(2) Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that
    affect our net income (loss), including financing costs and the effect
    of derivative instruments.  Operating EBITDA is not a measure of
    financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted
    in the United States, and should not be considered as an alternative
    to net income (loss) or income (loss) from operations as a measure of
    performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating
    activities as a measure of liquidity.  Operating EBITDA has
    significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be
    considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our
    results as reported under GAAP.


           COMPUTATION OF RESTRICTED GROUP OPERATING EBITDA
            For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
                             (Unaudited)
                         (Euros in thousands)

                                                    Three Months Ended
                                                         March 31,
                                                   2006           2005(1)
                                                       (in thousands)

Restricted Group
Net loss                                       euro (959)   euro (7,417)
Income taxes                                       2,841          3,115
Interest expense                                   8,463          7,671
Investment and other income                       (2,261)          (328)
Derivative financial instruments, net loss            79            105
Foreign exchange gain on debt                     (6,113)        (2,297)
Impairment of investments                              -          1,178
Income from operations                             2,050          2,027
Add: Depreciation and amortization                 6,629          4,125
Operating EBITDA(2)                           euro 8,679     euro 6,152

(1) The results of the Celgar pulp mill are included from the date of its
    acquisition on February 14, 2005.

(2) Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that
    affect net income (loss), including financing costs and the effect of
    derivative instruments.  Operating EBITDA is not a measure of
    financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted
    in the United States, and should not be considered as an alternative
    to net income (loss) or income (loss) from operations as a measure of
    performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating
    activities as a measure of liquidity.  Operating EBITDA has
    significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be
    considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our
    results as reported under GAAP.

                                 (7)