Bowater's CEO Announces Intention to Retire in 2006

    Bowater Inc.

Arnold M. Nemirow, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bowater
Incorporated (NYSE:BOW), announced today that he intends to retire from the
company during 2006. Mr. Nemirow said that this timeframe meets his retirement
objectives, as discussed with the Board of Directors during the past year. The
Board is conducting a search for his successor. Mr. Nemirow has served as Chief
Executive Officer of the company since March 1995.

Bowater Incorporated, headquartered in Greenville, SC, is a leading producer of
newsprint, coated mechanical and specialty papers. In addition, the company
makes bleached kraft pulp and lumber products. The company has 12 pulp and paper
mills in the United States, Canada and South Korea and 12 North American
sawmills that produce softwood lumber. Bowater also operates two facilities that
convert a base sheet to coated products. Bowater's operations are supported by
approximately 1.4 million acres of timberlands owned or leased in the United
States and Canada and 30 million acres of timber cutting rights in Canada.
Bowater is one of the world's largest consumers of recycled newspapers and
magazines. Bowater common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the
Pacific Exchange. A special class of stock exchangeable into Bowater common
stock is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:BWX).

    CONTACT: Bowater Incorporated
             Media Contact:
             Gordon R. Manuel, 864-282-9448
             Analyst Contact:
             Duane A. Owens, 864-282-9488