Wienerberger AG: Pipelife acquires French plastic pipe business from Alphacan

Vienna (pta011/04.04.2011/10:35 UTC+2) Alphacan France is a specialist for the development, production and marketing of PVC pipe systems
- Takeover will make Pipelife the leader in plastic pipes on the French market

Pipelife, one of the leading producers of plastic pipe systems in Europe, today announced the planned acquisition of Alphacan's plastic pipe business in France. Alphacan is a leading European supplier on the plastics converting market. The acquired business unit operates one plant in Gaillon and generated revenues of approx. EUR 45 million in 2010 with roughly 100 employees. These French pipe activities cover the development, production and marketing of PVC pipe systems that are used primarily for sanitation and drinking water units in buildings as well as for waste water projects in the infrastructure sector. Under French law this transaction is subject to the conclusion of agreements between the employee representatives of the two companies; these agreements are currently under negotiation. The parties have agreed not to disclose any information on the price for this acquisition.

Pipelife becomes market leader in plastic pipes in France
Willy Van Riet, CFO of Wienerberger AG with responsibility for Pipelife, explained the strategic background for the transaction: "Pipelife's objective is to establish leading positions in the regions where it is present. The Alphacan acquisition will make Pipelife the leader for plastic pipe systems in France, one of the largest markets in Europe, and bring the company an important step closer to reaching this goal." Niels Rune Solgaard-Nielsen, CEO of Pipelife, added: "This transaction will improve the technical know-how in our Group and create opportunities to realize synergies in product development and customer service. It will also provided added benefits, above all for our customers, through the expansion of our offering of plastic pipe products and systems."

Pipelife is a joint venture between Wienerberger and Solvay
The Pipelife Group is a 50/50 joint venture between Wienerberger and Solvay. Pipelife is one of the leading European producers of PVC plastic pipes and fittings with business activities in 27 countries. The Group operates 26 plants with 2,350 employees and generated revenues of approx. EUR 716 million in the past year.

Wienerberger is the world's largest brick producer
Wienerberger is the largest brick producer in the world with leading positions in clay roof tiles in Europe and concrete pavers in Central-East Europe. With 245 plants, Wienerberger generated revenues of EUR 1,744.8 million in 2010.

For additional information contact:
Niels Rune Solgaard-Nielsen, CEO Pipelife
T +43 2236 439 39 - 0 | info@pipelife.com

Barbara Braunöck, Head of Investor Relations Wienerberger
T +43 1 601 92 - 471 | communication@wienerberger.com

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Emitter:	Wienerberger AG Wienerbergstraße 11 1100 Wien Austria
Contact Person:	Barbara Braunöck
Phone:	+43 1 60192-471
E-Mail:	communication@wienerberger.com
Website:	www.wienerberger.com
ISIN(s):	AT0000831706 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Trade)