SUMMERVILLE, SC -- ArborGen LLC, a provider of tree improvement technologies, announced it has agreed to contribute to ArborGen the respective U.S.-based nursery and seed orchard businesses of International Paper and MeadWestvaco, as well as Rubicon Ltd. in New Zealand and Australia, according to Business Wire. ArborGen’s operation will now span more than 20 locations in four countries and include more than 185 employees.

“The addition of these world-class assets and sales networks to our advanced product portfolio transforms ArborGen into a fully integrated, full-service tree improvement company, confirming our position as a world leader in tree genetics, products and services,” said Dr. Barbara Wells, president and CEO of ArborGen.