Villeroy & Boch AG

M&A Activity • Mar 19, 2008

News Details

Ad-hoc | 19 March 2008 07:50

Villeroy & Boch takes over Thai sanitaryware producer

Villeroy & Boch AG / Acquisition/Contract

Release of an Ad hoc announcement according to § 15 WpHG, transmitted by
DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Villeroy & Boch is taking over an 80% interest in the Thai sanitaryware
producer Nahm Sanitaryware Co, Ltd., which is situated in Bangkok.
Closing of the agreement is dependent on the approval of the Thai Board
of Investment.

This acquisition is a resolute step forward in the company’s
internationalisation strategy. Approximately 80% of Villeroy & Boch sales
are already being made outside Germany. The objective in purchasing Nahm
Sanitaryware Co, Ltd. is to create a platform in Asian-Pacific countries in
order to be in a position to develop the sales potential in the region more
intensely. This local presence allows a prompt response to changes in the
dynamic Asian markets.
Villeroy & Boch will continue to use the 'nahm' brand in Asia. Moreover, a
selection of the sanitaryware collections and ranges for special projects
with the 'Villeroy & Boch' brand will be produced in the Thai factory for
the
Asian market and for Australia.

Thailand is an attractive destination for expansion, especially on account
of its reputation as a production location for quality goods and of free
access to the South-East Asian markets (Asean). Nahm Sanitaryware Co, Ltd.
is positioned in the medium to high quality goods segment and ranks amongst
the leading sanitaryware producers in Thailand. The company employs a
workforce of around 800. In 2007 it achieved sales totalling 10 million
euros with annual capacity of 500,000 units.

Almut Hähner-Ural
Head of the Press Department and Public Relations
Tel: (00 49) (0) 68 64 - 81 13 97
Fax: (00 49) (0) 68 64 - 81 26 92
Mail: haehner-ural.almut@villeroy-boch.com

Philipp Schmidt
Investor Relations
Tel: (00 49) (0) 68 64 - 81 1520
Fax: (00 49) (0) 68 64 - 81 71520
Mail: schmidt.philipp@villeroy-boch.com

19.03.2008 Financial News transmitted by DGAP

Language: English
Issuer: Villeroy & Boch AG
Saaruferstraße
66693 Mettlach
Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0)6864 81-1520
Fax: +49 (0)6864 81-7 1520
E-mail: schmidt.philipp@villeroy-boch.de
Internet: www.villeroy-boch.de
ISIN: DE0007657231
WKN: 765723
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München, Stuttgart

End of News DGAP News-Service

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