Wienerberger AG: Wienerberger expands brick business in the USA

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Vienna (pta008/31.10.2017/07:00 UTC+1) Acquisition of Columbus Brick Company, a manufacturer of facing bricks headquartered in Mississippi, as part of the Group's growth strategy in North America
- Geographic expansion of Wienerberger's US brick business
- Enlargement of existing product Portfolio

Wienerberger AG has signed an agreement to acquire Columbus Brick Company through its wholly owned subsidiary General Shale. Columbus Brick Company is a manufacturer of facing bricks headquartered in Columbus, Mississippi. The company operates two brick plants at its location with a total annual capacity of 140 million brick units. The product portfolio ranges from modular and queen size bricks in various colours for residential and commercial applications to paper cut bricks, an exclusive, premium product line. Columbus Brick Company sells its bricks in more than 18 states, with Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama being the main markets. With 75 employees, Columbus Brick Company generated revenues of roughly USD 23 million in 2016.

"The acquisition is a fantastic opportunity to geographically expand our US brick business. It gives us an increased presence in Mississippi and Louisiana, states with a high level of brick wall share", comments Heimo Scheuch, CEO of Wienerberger AG, on the transaction and adds: "Columbus Brick is a company with a long track record, a well-established brand as well as a highly reputed and experienced management team. The company has invested in its production lines over the past years. They have a strong and well-balanced product portfolio. Especially the paper cut brick, a very specifically textured brick, will enhance our existing product portfolio. Through this acquisition in North America, which is a perfect fit for our strategy of growing our local activities, our strong American management team will soon be able to generate synergies in distribution and administration and quickly integrate Columbus Brick into our existing business."

General Shale, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wienerberger AG, is one of the largest brick manufacturers in the United States, as well as one of the largest brick, stone and concrete block manufacturers in North America. General Shale currently operates 13 production sites in the US and Canada and employs 1,270 individuals. With a large network of sales facilities, retail showrooms and affiliate distributors, General Shale is present in more than 15 states and provinces throughout North America.

The take-over is financed from Wienerberger's funds allocated for growth and portfolio optimization and fully in line with the company's investment criteria. As of the date of closure, the transaction will result in a positive contribution to earnings. It has been agreed with the current owners not to disclose the purchase price.

Wienerberger Group
Wienerberger is the world's largest producer of bricks (Porotherm, Terca) and the market leader in clay roof tiles (Koramic, Tondach) in Europe as well as concrete pavers (Semmelrock) in Central and Eastern Europe. In pipe systems (Steinzeug-Keramo ceramic pipes and Pipelife plastic pipes), the company is one of the leading suppliers in Europe. With its total of 200 production sites, the Wienerberger Group generated revenues of Eur 2,974 million and EBITDA of Eur 404 million in 2016.

For further information please contact
Karin Steinbichler, Head of Corporate Communications Wienerberger
t +43 1 601 92 - 10149 | communication@wienerberger.com

Klaus Ofner, Head of Investor Relations Wienerberger AG
t +43 1 601 92 - 10221 | investor@wienerberger.com

Wienerberger AG is a pure free float company, whereby the majority of shares are held by Austrian and international institutional investors. Additional information on the shareholder structure is provided under http://www.wienerberger.com/investor-relations/the-wienerberger-share/the-wienerberger-share/shareholder-structure.

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Emitter:	Wienerberger AG Wienerbergstraße 11 1100 Wien Austria
Contact Person:	Karin Steinbichler
Phone:	+43 1 60192-10149
E-Mail:	communication@wienerberger.com
Website:	www.wienerberger.com
ISIN(s):	AT0000831706 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Trade)