Wienerberger AG: Wienerberger plans new bond issue

Vienna (pta006/10.01.2012/08:05 UTC+1) NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE USA, UK, CANADA, JAPAN OR AUSTRALIA.

- Issue volume of at least 50 million Euro (increase possible)
- 3.5-year term
- Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and to further strengthen the financial base of the Wienerberger Group

Wienerberger AG, the world's largest producer of bricks and number one on the clay roof tile market in Europe, plans to issue a new bond. The actual offering will depend on the market situation and is subject to approval of the listing and offering prospectus by the Luxembourg authority (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (the "CSSF")) which is expected for today. The bond will have a volume of at least 50 million Euro, a 3.5-year term and a denomination of 1,000 Euro. The coupon will be announced immediately before the start of the subscription period, which is expected to run from January 13 to 27, 2012. The issue will be listed for trading on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and the Vienna Stock Exchange.

Wienerberger had a gearing of only 21% as of Sept. 30, 2011
Wienerberger has a strong capital structure as demonstrated in the figures of the third quarter 2011. As of September 30, 2011, the Wienerberger Group had a gearing ratio of only 21% and an equity ratio of 62% with a reported cash reserve of roughly 506 million Euro. Gross debt amounted to roughly 1.1 billion Euro, of which corporate bonds outstanding made up about 590 million Euro and about 490 million Euro were financial liabilities. In accordance with IFRS accounting rules, the hybrid bond is accounted for as equity and hence is not included in financial liabilities.

Goal to maintain the strong capital structure of the Wienerberger Group
When asked about the reasons for the planned new bond issue, Willy Van Riet, Chief Financial Officer of the Wienerberger Group, explained: "We are taking advantage of a market opportunity to further strengthen the capital structure of Wienerberger AG. In 2012, Wienerberger Group has to refinance financial liabilities of about 400 million Euro. We had already secured this refinancing requirement by July 2011 through our liquid funds position, our internal financing ability and the corporate bond issued in 2011. The new issue, first and foremost, aims to enlarge our liquidity reserves in line with the goals of our financing strategy: maintaining the Group's strong capital structure and proactively managing our liquidity and maturity profile. Going forward, we plan to continuously take advantage of opportunities for issuing smaller bonds to maintain the strong financial base."

Wienerberger with leading market positions in its core business
Wienerberger is the world's largest producer of bricks (Porotherm, Poroton, Terca) and the number one on the clay roof tile market (Koramic, Tondach) in Europe as well as for concrete pavers (Semmelrock) in Central-East Europe. In the market for pipe systems (ceramic pipes under the Steinzeug-Keramo brand and plastic pipes under the Pipelife brand), Wienerberger claims a leading position in Europe. Wienerberger, currently operating 232 production sites, generated 1,744.8 million Euro in group revenues in 2010.

For additional information contact:
Barbara Braunöck, Head of Investor Relations
T +43 1 60192-471 | 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)