Home > News > Latest news > Our companies

Our companies news

13 January 2012 Legrand

Four new appointments to Legrand Executive Committee

At the suggestion of Gilles Schnepp, Legrand's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Group's Executive Committee was expanded from 7 to 11 members effective January 1, 2012 : The new members are Antoine Burel, Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Benoît Coquart, Group Vice President Strategy and Development; Xavier Couturier, Group Vice President Human Resources; and Fabrizio Fabrizi, Group Vice President Commercial Systems & Infrastructure Division

Read more [+]

03 January 2012 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas acquires Pockrandt GmbH in Germany

Bureau Veritas is pleased to announce the acquisition of Pockrandt GmbH, a company providing non-destructive testing (NDT) services to major power plant contractors and operators across Germany.

Read more [+]

22 December 2011 Legrand

Legrand is now a Promoter level member and the newest member of the ZigBee Alliance Board of Directors

The ZigBee® Alliance, a global ecosystem of organizations creating wireless solutions for use in energy management, residential, commercial and consumer applications, today announced Legrand is now a Promoter level member and the newest member of the ZigBee Alliance Board of Directors.

Read more [+]

14 December 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain's Pipe Activity gains a foothold in India

The Pipe Activity of Saint-Gobain Construction Products Sector has entered, on December 14th, 2011, into an agreement for the acquisition of the ductile iron pipe division of the Electrotherm company -Saint-Gobain Construction Products Sector will acquire the equity stake of an Indian subsidiary of Electrotherm (India) Limited, for an equity value of INR 9.5 billion (around EUR 135 million)

Read more [+]

09 December 2011 exceet Group SE

HSBC: Equities: EXCEET GROUP(EXC GR): Initiate with OW: exciting growth in niche markets

exceet, a unique tech solutions provider, is the result of Germany's first SPAC, Helikos - We forecast a 2011-13e sales CAGR of 11.7%, and an EBITDA margin of 17.2% for 2013e - Our DCF-based valuation yields a 12-month target price of EUR10

Read more [+]

02 December 2011 Legrand

Legrand will enter the CAC 40 on december 19, 2011


02 December 2011 exceet Group SE

exceet signs purchase contract for the acquisition of Inplastor

The exceet Group SE, a leading provider of integrated electronic products and solutions, intends to acquire Inplastor GmbH, the Austrian full-service provider of card-based loyalty and ID security solutions - As a result, the exceet Group will expand its portfolio with another innovative provider serving the Austrian market specifically and so strengthen its leading role in German-speaking countries.

Read more [+]

30 November 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain's Abrasives Activity strengthens its presence in South America through the acquisition of Abrasivos Argentinos S.A. and Dancan S.A.

Saint-Gobain has just finalized the acquisition of Abrasivos Argentinos S.A. and Dancan S.A. in Argentina, together with their subsidiaries in Brazil and Uruguay, specialized in the production of coated abrasives and masking tapes

Read more [+]

23 November 2011 exceet Group SE

exceet Group shows strong sales growth after nine months

exceet Group SE, a leading supplier of innovative and client-specific solutions for intelligent electronic products in Europe, generated group sales of 128.9 million euros in the first nine months 2011 - It thus managed to achieve a significant boost of over 51 percent in sales from 85.1 million euros compared to the same period last year - A considerable proportion of this sales increase, 20.4 percent, resulted from organic growth - Positive business development in particular in the medical technology segment and in industrial automation contributed to this - Here, it managed to land several major orders - The EBITDA, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, of the first nine months of 21.7 million euros rose by 64.6 percent compared to 13.2 million euros during the same period in the previous year - The EBITDA margin of 16.9 percent was well above that of the previous year’s 15.5 percent - This resulted from greater emphasis on high margin products.

Read more [+]

18 November 2011 Materis

INFORMATION: Following a bank meeting which took place on November 15th, 2011, Materis decided...

Following a bank meeting which took place on November 15th, 2011, Materis decided, with the support of Wendel, to launch a formal consultation of its lenders to extend its debt maturities, which currently range from April 2013 to April 2016.

Read more [+]

04 November 2011 Legrand

2011 nine-month and third-quarter results in line with group targets - 2011 targets confirmed

Consolidated sales: Reported figures show a 9.6% year-on-year rise to €3,148.3 million, while the rise at constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates was 7.0% - Changes in the scope of consolidation made a 4.2% growth contribution, while exchange rates had a negative impact of 1.8%.

Read more [+]

03 November 2011 Bureau Veritas

Revenue to end-September 2011 of €2.5bn, up 18%, including organic growth of 6%

The Group generated double-digit overall revenue growth in Q3 2011, in line with the performances seen since the start of the year - Growth levels varied depending on the markets in which we operate - Bureau Veritas should post high growth in 2011 revenue and mid-single digit organic growth in the second half of 2011.

Read more [+]

25 October 2011 Saint-Gobain

Sales for the first nine months of 2011: up 5.4% to €31.6 billion - Organic growth: 5.8%, of which 4.1% in Q3 (after 4.4% in Q2).

Third-quarter 2011 highlights: Sales prices: up 2.9% in Q3 and 2.6% over nine months (after a rise of 2.8% in Q2)- Sales volumes: up 1.2% in Q3 and 3.2% over nine months (after a rise of 1.6% in Q2)- Double-digit organic growth on energy efficiency markets in France - Continuing vigorous growth in Asia and emerging countries: 7.2% in Q3 and 10.4% over nine months - 2011 targets confirmed

Read more [+]

20 October 2011 exceet Group SE

exceet Group reports strong revenue growth after nine months

The preliminary, unaudited consolidated revenue of exceet Group SE amounted to EUR 128.9 million in the first nine months of the 2011 financial year - This represents an increase of over 51% compared with the consolidated revenue of EUR 85,1 million in the same period of the previous year.

Read more [+]

18 October 2011 Bureau Veritas

Recognition Program signed between Bureau Veritas and SASO

Read more [+]

21 September 2011 Saint-Gobain

Successful launch of a dual-tranche bond offering: EUR 1000 million, 4 year maturity, annual coupon of 3.50% and EUR 750 million, 8 year maturity, annual coupon of 4.50%

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain today set the terms of a dual-tranche bond issue for a total amount of EUR 1.75 billion with an average maturity of around 6 years and an average annual coupon of around 4% - This bond issue, which will mainly serve to refinance existing debt, enables Saint-Gobain to both lengthen the average maturity of its debt and optimize its average cost of funding

Read more [+]

20 September 2011 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas presents its strategic plan for 2015 - Aiming for strong growth following the success of the 2007-2011 plan

2012-2015 objectives: An international services group with global revenue of around €5 billion and 80,000 employees by end-2015 - Average annual revenue growth: 9-12%, of which: - Two-thirds from organic growth: 6-8% average annual growth - One-third from external growth: 3-4% average annual growth - Improvement in adjusted operating margin of 100-150bps - Average annual growth in adjusted EPS: 10-15% - Significant reduction in leverage ratio (below 1x EBITDA)

Read more [+]

31 August 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain to Invest $100 million in New Proppant Plant in the United States

Saint-Gobain today announced the construction of a proppant plant in Saline County, Arkansas, in the United States - Representing a total investment of $100 million (€ 69 million), the new facility will be built on a 28 hectare parcel of land and will eventually provide jobs for 140 people

Read more [+]

26 August 2011 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas acquires Toplis Marine Inspection and Testing in the Philippines

Bureau Veritas is pleased to announce the acquisition of Toplis Marine Inspection and Testing, an independent cargo survey company and the Philippines representative of Inspectorate (a Bureau Veritas' company) for the last five years.

Read more [+]

25 August 2011 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas' strong performance during first-half 2011

Revenue: + 20% - Organic growth: +6.6% - Adjusted operating margin of 16% - Attributable adjusted net profit: +10%

Read more [+]

10 August 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics extends its habitat offer via the acquisition of Solar Gard

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics has just signed an agreement to wholly acquire the businesses making up the Bekaert Specialty Films (BSF) activity of the Belgian Group Bekaert - This business, operating under the name Solar Gard, is specialized in the development, manufacturing and distribution of coated films used on the habitat market (architectural glazing for residential and commercial buildings), the automotive market, and various industrial applications

Read more [+]

08 August 2011 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas completes first acquisition in India and expands its services to conformity assessment of infrastructure

Bureau Veritas is pleased to announce the acquisition of Civil-Aid Technoclinic Pty Ltd, an Indian company specialised in conformity assessment services of public and industrial infrastructure.

Read more [+]

28 July 2011 Saint-Gobain

First-half 2011: robust organic growth; strong growth in earnings

- Organic growth: up 6.7% over the first half - Sales prices: up 2.4% over the first half (up 2.0% in the first quarter; up 2.8% in the second quarter). - Double-digit growth in operating income (at constant exchange rates*): up 18.6%. - Free cash flow²: up 7.0% to €1.1bn, against a target of €1.3bn for the full year. - Continued strong balance sheet: net debt/EBITDA ratio cut to 1.8 from 2.1 at end-June 2010. - Relaunch of capital spending (up 48.4% to €641m) and acquisitions (up from €36m to €182m).

Read more [+]

28 July 2011 Legrand

Good performance in 2011 first half - 2011 targets confirmed

Sales growth: +10.4% - Adjusted operating margin: 21.0%

Read more [+]

27 July 2011 Saint-Gobain

SAINT-GOBAIN EXPANDS ITS PLASTERBOARD BUSINESS IN TURKEY

Saint-Gobain, through its Gypsum Activity, today completed the acquisition of Doðaner, a Turkish manufacturer of plaster and plasterboard - The company is located 50 km southeast of Ankara, where it operates a plant with an annual production capacity of 500,000 tonnes of plaster and 12 million square meters of plasterboard - In 2010, Doðaner generated revenue of nearly €22 million with 109 employees

Read more [+]

26 July 2011 Helikos

HELIKOS SE COMPLETES ITS BUSINESS COMBINATION WITH EXCEET

- Transactions relating to acquisition of exceet Group AG closed - Helikos renamed "exceet Group SE"

Read more [+]

25 July 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain Signs Agreement with Wolseley to Acquire the Build Center Network and Brossette

Saint-Gobain has signed an agreement with UK building materials distributor Wolseley for the acquisition of its British Build Center network (€165 million))and its French subsidiary Brossette (€186-million)

Read more [+]

21 July 2011 Helikos

Proposed acquisition of Exceet Group AG approved by Helikos shareholders and warrantholders

The extraordinary general meeting of Helikos shareholders and the special meeting of Class A warrantholders today approved all of the proposals in connection with the acquisition of Exceet Group AG - The shareholders, at the EGM, in particular: approved the proposed acquisition of Exceet Group AG; approved the change of the name of the company from "Helikos SE" to "exceet Group SE"; and elected Mr. Hans Hofstetter, Dr. Hagen Hultzsch, Mr. Ulrich Reutner, Mr. Roland Lienau, Mr. Dirk-Jan van Ommeren and Mr. Thomas Brauchli as members of the board of directors

Read more [+]

20 July 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain expands its Insulation Business in Japan and Russia

To more effectively serve customers in western Japan, Saint-Gobain plans to build a new glass wool production facility near Osaka in the Kansai region through its local subsidiary Mag-Isover, Japan's leading insulation manufacturer - Saint-Gobain is also pursuing its expansion in Russia, where the Insulation Activity has acquired Linerock, a company based in Tcheliabinsk. Linerock is the Ural region's leading manufacturer of rock wool products, the most widely used insulation materials in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

Read more [+]

13 July 2011 Helikos

Key Milestones for proposed acquisition of Exceet achieved

Several material conditions for the proposed acquisition of Exceet satisfied

Read more [+]

11 July 2011 Helikos

Agreement on exercise of purchase option by Oranje Nassau Participaties BV, satisfaction of a material condition for consummation of acquisition of Exceet Group AG thereby ensured

Helikos SE has been informed today by Oranje Nassau Participaties BV ("ONP"), which is a 100% subsidiary of Wendel SA, and Ventizz Capital Fund III Holding Company LLC ("Ventizz") that they have reached an agreement today under which ONP will exercise the founders' purchase option in an amount sufficient to reduce the net redemptions of Helikos public shares in connection with the proposed acquisition by Helikos of Exceet Group AG to 25.51 pct - The exercise by ONP of the founders' purchase option will ensure that the less than 35 pct. maximum redemptions condition for the acquisition of Exceet set forth in the articles of Helikos is met - Under the agreement with ONP, Ventizz and the other sellers under the share purchase agreement ("SPA") for the acquisition of Exceet have agreed, inter alia, to purchase a portion of the shares ONP acquires upon exercise of the founders' purchase option - ONP has also agreed with Ventizz to offer the new Exceet Group SE additional shareholder loan financing of €4.7 million in connection with the first acquisition it makes after the closing under the SPA.

Read more [+]

06 July 2011 Helikos

EXCEET GROUP AG MAINTAINS STRONG SALES GROWTH IN SECOND QUARTER 2011

Group Sales rise 30% compared to previous year

Read more [+]

27 June 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain announces Verallia's first industrial presence in Algeria

Read more [+]

21 June 2011 Helikos

Helikos SE Postpones Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders and Special Meeting of Class A Warrantholders

Read more [+]

20 June 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain postpones Verallia's IPO

Saint-Gobain has decided to postpone the initial public offering of Verallia, in light of the very adverse market conditions - However, given the underlying level of market uncertainty and volatility, Saint-Gobain considers that the conditions are not met to ensure a clear success for the IPO of Verallia

Read more [+]

09 June 2011 Saint-Gobain

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF JUNE 9, 2011

The Annual General Meeting of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain shareholders was held today in Paris. Shareholders present or represented at the meeting held an aggregate 64.38% of the outstanding shares - All the resolutions were adopted (by a significant majority).

Read more [+]

07 June 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain launches the initial public offering of Verallia on the regulated market of NYSE Euronext in Paris

In accordance with the timetable announced on October 13 2010, Saint-Gobain announces today the launch of the initial public offering of Verallia, the second largest global manufacturer of glass containers for the food and beverage industry, by way of sale of a minority interest and the contemplated listing of its shares on the regulated market of NYSE Euronext in Paris

Read more [+]

31 May 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain announces the acquisition of Sezal Glass Ltd's float glass business in India

Saint-Gobain Glass India has just signed a definitive binding agreement concerning the acquisition of Sezal Glass Ltd's float glass business in India. - Through this deal, Saint-Gobain Glass India will acquire a new float plant located in the district of Bharuch, in Gujarat, together with its business assets. Brought on stream in February 2010, this float has a daily production capacity of 550 tons of flat glass to supply the architectural market.

Read more [+]

23 May 2011 Legrand

Legrand steps up growth in digital infrastructure market by acquiring Middle Atlantic Products Inc. in the US

Legrand today announced the acquisition of Middle Atlantic Products Inc., North America's leader in audio and video enclosures - The move strengthens Legrand's positions in the fast-growing digital infrastructure market

Read more [+]

16 May 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain's Industrial Mortars Division Steps Up the Pace of International Growth Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, Italy

The Saint-Gobain Group's Industrial Mortars Division has carried out four international acquisitions since the beginning of the year, together representing some €60 million in annual revenues - Acquisition of a majority interest in the capital of PT. Cipta Mortar Utama in Indonesia - Acquisition of Anchortec in Brazil - Promix in Turkey and Edicalce in Italy

Read more [+]

10 May 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain' s Automotive Glass business (Sekurit) strengthens its presence in China

Saint-Gobain Sekurit, the third largest manufacturer of automotive glass in China, announced the construction of its second Chinese automotive glass plant in the Shandong province of Qingdao, close to the Group's flat glass production site (float) - This investment of approximately €50million will be implemented in three phases between now and 2014 - The first manufacturing line will come on stream mid-2012

Read more [+]

05 May 2011 Legrand

1st quarter 2011: Legrand fully in line with 2011 targets - Firm growth in sales, up 13.7%, and adjusted operating income, up 15.4% - Targeted acquisitions and innovation

Sales: Reported figures show a 13.7% year-on-year rise in sales to €1,036 million, while the rise at constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates was 9.0% - Results: Against a backdrop of steep rises in prices for raw materials and components, adjusted operating income was up 15.4% to represent 21.1% of sales

Read more [+]

04 May 2011 Bureau Veritas

Sharp growth in Bureau Veritas Q1 2011 revenue: Revenue up 23% to €775 million and Organic growth of 6.5%

Bureau Veritas generated high growth in Q1 2011 revenue driven by the consolidation of Inspectorate and an improvement in organic growth

Read more [+]

28 April 2011 Saint-Gobain

Sharp 12.2% rise in first-quarter 2011 sales to €9.8 billion - Organic growth: 9.6%

- Sales prices: up 2.0% - Sales volumes: up 7.6% - Double-digit organic growth in Innovative Materials and Building Distribution - Faster-paced growth in Asia and emerging countries thanks to the recovery across Eastern Europe - Sharp rebound in residential construction and renovation markets across Western Europe - Robust organic growth in Packaging (Verallia): up 7.2% - 2011 targets confirmed

Read more [+]

28 April 2011 Legrand

Legrand reinforces its positions in Brazil and steps up development in energy performance by acquiring SMS

In accordance with its strategy, Legrand is actively continuing its development through selffinanced acquisitions of small to medium-size businesses with leading places on their markets, and announces, subject to the approval of competent authorities in Brazil, the acquisition of SMS,number one for UPS in Brazil and a frontrunner across Latin America in this field.

Read more [+]

05 April 2011 Saint-Gobain

Inauguration of the new Renedo furnace in Spain - Saint-Gobain reinforces its commitment to the solar market

On April 5, 2011, Pierre-André de Chalendar, Chairman and CEO of the Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, inaugurated the new solar glass furnace at the Saint-Gobain Glass Renedo plant in Spain, 15 kilometers from Santander - This €35 million investment gives the Renedo site one of the most state of the art rolled glass lines in Saint-Gobain Glass and doubles its output.Specialized in the manufacture of patterned glass for the solar power and interior design markets, the plant now has an annual capacity of 60,000 tons of SGG ALBARINO glass - This extra clear glass delivers light transmission and power performances capable of increasing the efficiency of PV cells.

Read more [+]

05 April 2011 Legrand

Changes in the membership of the Board of Directors

The Legrand Board of Directors has decided, at the proposal of the Nominating and Compensation Committee, to submit to the General Meeting of Shareholders on May 26, 2011 a proposal for the appointment of a new independent director, Ms. Eliane Rouyer-Chevalier.

Read more [+]

10 March 2011 Legrand

Success for Legrand's second euro bond issue

Legrand today successfully launched and priced its new euro-denominated bond issue, which is for €400 million over seven years - The maturity date is March 21, 2018 and the annual coupon is 4.375%

Read more [+]

01 March 2011 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas acquires Scientige in Malaysia

Bureau Veritas is pleased to announce the acquisition of Scientige Sdn Bhd, a company based in Malaysia and specialized in asset integrity management services.

Read more [+]

28 February 2011 Bureau Veritas

2010 annual results

Robust annual revenue growth of 11% to €2.9 billion -Organic growth of 3% (6% in H2)- Adjusted operating margin improved to 16.7%, up 30 basis points -Attributable adjusted net profit up 15% to €315 million - Proposed dividend up 37% to €1.15

Read more [+]

24 February 2011 Saint-Gobain

Sharp upswing in 2010 results

Sales: 40,119 (+6.2%) - Operating income: 3,117 (+41%) - Recurring net income: 1,335 (+116%) - Net income: 1,129 (+459%) - 2010 dividend: €1.15 (up 15%), paid entirely in cash

Read more [+]

10 February 2011 Legrand

2010 annual results

2010 annual results: Firm sales growth: +8.7% - Improvement in adjusted operating margin, up from 16.2% to 20.2% - Net profit and dividend up by 44% and 26% respectively

Read more [+]

09 February 2011 Legrand

Legrand becomes no. 1 in France for assisted living following acquisition of Intervox Systèmes

Legrand announces its acquisition of Intervox Systèmes, the French leader for connected security systems - Legrand moves up to the top place in France for electrical systems dedicated to assisted living

Read more [+]

07 February 2011 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas acquires Atomic Technologies in Singapore

Bureau Veritas is pleased to announce the acquisition of Atomic Technologies Pte Ltd, a leading Non Destructive Testing (NDT) company in Southeast Asia, based in Singapore

Read more [+]

11 January 2011 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas completes three acquisitions in fast-growing market segments

Bureau Veritas is pleased to announce three acquisitions in Brazil, China and France, totalling approximately €30 million of annual revenues in 2010: Auto Reg Group (vehicle claim inspections in Brazil); NS Technology (testing of electrical and electronic equipment in China); Thémis-Ingénierie (nuclear technical assistance in France)

Read more [+]

07 January 2011 Legrand

Legrand expands in digital infrastructures with the acquisition of Electrorack in the United States

Legrand announces the acquisition of Electrorack, specialized in Voice-Data-Image (VDI) cabinets for data centers in the United States - Legrand thus strengthens its positions in digital infrastructures, a new fast-growing business segment

Read more [+]

03 January 2011 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain finalizes the divestiture of its Advanced Ceramics business

Following the approval of the competition authorities, on December 31, 2010, Saint-Gobain finalized the sale of its Advanced Ceramics business to CoorsTek for US $245 million, as announced on June 28, 2010

Read more [+]

16 December 2010 Legrand

Legrand accelerates expansion in energy performance with the acquisition of Meta System Energy in Italy

Legrand announces the acquisition of Meta System Energy, an Italian company specialized in modular UPS - Legrand is thus accelerating its expansion in new business segments, this time in energy performance

Read more [+]

08 December 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain signs with 24 banks a euro 3 billion credit facility with a 5 year maturity

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain today signed, with a large group of 24 banks, a revolving credit facility for an amount of Euro 3 billion, maturing in December 2015.

Read more [+]

26 November 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain and NSG Group Pursue Joint Expansion in Brazil

Cebrace announced today plans to build a new float glass plant in Bahia State, in northeastern Brazil. The new facility will be the sixth float line owned by Cebrace Cristal Plano Ltda, a joint venture between Saint-Gobain Glass and NSG Group in Brazil. The project will enable Cebrace to serve its customers more effectively in this fast-growing region.

Read more [+]

10 November 2010 Stallergenes

Stallergenes welcomes Ares Life Sciences as a new reference shareholder

Following the announcement that Wendel had entered exclusive negotiations with Ares Life Sciences on October 28, 2010, with a view to selling its entire stake (around 46%) in Stallergenes, the company's Works Council met on November 10, 2010 - Stallergenes' Works Council having returned a positive consultative opinion at this meeting, Wendel and Ares Life Sciences proceeded to sign a firm transfer agreement.

Read more [+]

10 November 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain and SAGE Electrochromics join forces to build the world's first large-scale manufacture of electrochromic glass plant

Saint-Gobain Glass has acquired 50 percent of the equity of the U.S. company SAGE Electrochromics for the large-scale manufacture of electrochromic glass. Activated by a low-voltage current, electrochromic glass adapts its light and heat transmission - and so its tint - to the level of sunlight and the building's ambient temperature, without hindering external visibility. It significantly reduces the amount of energy consumed for air conditioning, heating and lighting, and enhances occupant comfort and well-being

Read more [+]

04 November 2010 Legrand

Results for the first nine months of 2010

Legrand's consolidated sales for the first nine months of 2010 came to €2.9 billion, showing a rise of 7.5%. The rise at constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates was 3.7%. Adjusted operating income for the period was up 39% to €603 million.

Read more [+]

03 November 2010 Bureau Veritas

Q3 revenue up 16% to €739 million - Acceleration in Q3 organic growth to +6% - Growth in all businesses and stabilization of the Marine business

Frank Piedelièvre, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated that: "We saw very strong revenue growth in Q3 of 16%, with all businesses growing and the Marine business stabilizing. Given this good performance, Group total revenue growth in H2 2010 should reach the targets announced when the H1 results were published on August 26 and should be greater than 10%. For full-year 2010 we expect a slight improvement in adjusted operating margin1 on an organic basis. 2011 should benefit from the improvement in the trends seen in most of our markets, increased Group exposure to high-growth regions, and the integration of Inspectorate."

Read more [+]

21 October 2010 Saint-Gobain

Sales for the First nine months of 2010: €30,007 million (+5.5% on a reported basis)

SALES FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2010: +5.5% on a reported basis; +1.4% like-for-like - SALES FOR THIRD-QUARTER 2010: +7.8% on a reported basis; +2.3% like-for-like

Read more [+]

14 October 2010 Stallergenes

Significant growth fpr Stallergenes: +10% in the third quarter; +12% over the first 9 months. First €24 million instalment from the SHIONOGI partnership

Consolidated sales for the 3rd quarter of 2010 grew by 10% compared to the same period last year to €42.0 million, resulting in sales growth of 12% during the first 9 months of the year. Foreign exchange effects were negligible

Read more [+]

13 October 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain launches the procedure for a possible IPO of the Packaging Sector

Following the Board of Directors' review of the project, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain has begun preparations for a possible legal reorganization of the Packaging Sector with a view to carrying out an IPO.

Read more [+]

12 October 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain and Trakya Cam announce the creation of a joint venture to develop their flat glass (float) activities in Russia

Saint-Gobain and Trakya Cam, a subsidiary of the ªiºecam Group, have signed a contract to create a joint venture owned 70% by Trakya Cam and 30% by Saint-Gobain. In order to take advantage of strong market growth in Russia, this company will build a flat glass manufacturing unit, a mirror production line, and a magnetron coater line in the Alabuga special economic area of the Republic of Tatarstan

Read more [+]

11 October 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain accelerates its growth in the photovoltaic (PV) solar sector and sets up, with Hyundai Heavy Industries, a joint-venture in Korea

After launching the construction of a second Avancis plant in Germany (last June), Saint-Gobain has announced, in association with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.(HHI), the building of a third high-efficiency PV panels facility in Korea. This partnership between the two groups will take the form of a 50-50 joint-venture, called Hyundai Avancis


29 September 2010 Saint-Gobain

Successful bond exchange and bond buyback

Saint-Gobain has successfully placed €750 million worth of 4.00% bonds due 2018. The issue proceeds will be used to refinance €634 million in outstanding bonds maturing in 2013 and 2014 (with coupons ranging from 6.00% to 8.25%). In addition, to optimize use of cash reserves, Saint-Gobain will buy back €323 million worth of 4.25% bonds due 2011

Read more [+]

09 September 2010 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas completes the acquisition of Inspectorate

Bureau Veritas completed the acquisition of Inspectorate today, having obtained the approvals of all relevant competition authorities

Read more [+]

06 September 2010 Stallergenes

STALLERGENES and SHIONOGI sign exclusive partnership agreements for immunotherapy tablets in Japan

Stallergenes S.A. has announced today the signing of exclusive partnership agreements with Shionogi & Co., Ltd. for two sublingual allergen immunotherapy tablet products resulting from the Stalair® program: Actair® house dust mite tablets and Japanese cedar pollen tablets

Read more [+]

26 August 2010 Stallergenes

Excellent 1st Half-Year 2010 performance by Stallergenes

GROWTH IN FRANCE AND INTERNATIONALLY +13% - VERY STRONG NET PROFIT GROWTH +51% - FREE CASH FLOW GROWTH +91%

Read more [+]

26 August 2010 Bureau Veritas

H1 2010 revenue: €1.3 billion, + 1.5%

H1 2010 revenue: €1.3 billion, + 1.5% - Q2 organic growth restored to 2.5% - Adjusted operating margin up 60 basis points to 16.7% - Growth of 9% in attributable adjusted net profit to €149.5 million - Organic growth set to gain momentum in H2

Read more [+]

29 July 2010 Saint-Gobain

First-Half 2010: Sales €19,529m (+4.3%) - Operating income €1,445m (+55.4%)

Recurring net income: €580m (+176.2%) - Net income: €501m (+291.4%) - Free cash flow: €987m (+79.5%)

Read more [+]

27 July 2010 Legrand

In the first half of 2010, Legrand sales were up 5.4% to €1.9 billion

Adjusted operating income rose 44% to €400 million - Strong growth in emerging markets - Continuing acquisitions -Target for 2010 adjusted operating margin raised again, to over 19%

Read more [+]

22 July 2010 Legrand

Acquisition strategy continues: Offer for India's Indo Asian Switchgear

Legrand makes an offer for Indo Asian Switchgear, a key player in the Indian market for electrical protection devices - Legrand aims to pursue its expansion in emerging economies and significantly increase its presence in India

Read more [+]

15 July 2010 Stallergenes

Strong growth in the second quarter (up 14%) and over the first half-year (up 13%)

Consolidated sales for the 1st half-year 2010 grew by 13% to € 110.6 million, featuring significant growth of 14% over the 2nd quarter 2010 (compared to 13% in the 1st quarter).

Read more [+]

09 July 2010 Legrand

Legrand accelerates development in emerging markets and energy efficiency by acquiring Inform in Turkey

Continuing its strategy of targeted acquisitions, Legrand today announced – subject to the approval of Turkish competent authorities – the acquisition of Inform, Turkey’s number-one contender in UPS and secured electrical equip

Read more [+]

30 June 2010 Saint-Gobain

72% of the 2009 dividend will be reinvested

Saint-Gobain shareholders responded favorably to the dividend reinvestment option, with 72.1% of the total dividend to be paid in stock. This high reinvestment rate, which attests to shareholders' confidence in the Group's strategy and long-term growth outlook, allows Saint-Gobain to strengthen its equity by €368 million

Read more [+]

28 June 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain Sells its "Advanced Ceramics" Business to CoorsTek for 245 Million Dollars

Saint-Gobain has signed an agreement for the sale of its "Advanced Ceramics" business to the US company CoorsTek, for a total (enterprise value) of 245 million US dollars (about 200 million euros).

Read more [+]

22 June 2010 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas acquires Inspectorate: a major step forward in its strategy to become the global leader

Bureau Veritas announces it has signed an agreement with UK-based company Inspicio, majority owned by private equity firm 3i and funds managed by 3i, to acquire its subsidiary Inspectorate for £450 million

Read more [+]

21 June 2010 Stallergenes

Staloral® Mites 300 Clinical Study in China

Stallergenes S.A. announces the results of a phase III clinical trial (VO55.06) conducted in China aimed at assessing the efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy (Staloral® mites 300) in adult patients suffering from asthma triggered by house dust mites.

Read more [+]

07 June 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain to build a second plant to produce high-efficiency photovoltaic modules in Germany

As part of its solar power growth strategy, Saint-Gobain has announced that its subsidiary Avancis, will be building a new plant to produce photovoltaic (PV) modules to cover the roofs of residential, industrial and commercial buildings as well as solar plants. This industrial site will be located in Torgau, Germany

Read more [+]

01 June 2010 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas acquires Advanced Coal Technology in South Africa

Advanced Coal Technology (ACT) is one of the leading suppliers of coal testing services in South Africa. The company, whose head office is located in Pretoria, was created in 2002, following the outsourcing of minerals testing laboratories by a South African mining group, operates three laboratories located in Pretoria, Witbank and Sasolburg, has 86 employees and generated sales of SAR78 million in 2009 (€7 million).

Read more [+]

25 May 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain and NSG Group expand together in Brazil

Saint-Gobain and NSG Group have announced the construction of a new flat glass (float) plant in Jacarei, close to São Paulo, in Brazil. This manufacturing facility will be the fifth float line held by Cebrace Cristal Plano Ltda, the joint-venture between Saint-Gobain Glass and the NSG Group in Brazil.

Read more [+]

06 May 2010 Legrand

2010 first-quarter results: Gains in emerging countries - Success of new products - 2010 target for adjusted operating margin raised to over 18%

In the first quarter of 2010, Legrand's sales rose 0.5% at constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates and adjusted operating income was up 38%

Read more [+]

05 May 2010 Bureau Veritas

Q1 2010 Revenue of €628.9 million

As announced, activity hit a low point at the start of the year. Q1 2010 revenue dropped by 3.0% to €628.9 million - Activity hit a low point at the start of the year and the 2.6% organic decline in Q1 revenue was a slight improvement relative to the Q4 2009 level - Gradual return to organic growth during 2010

Read more [+]

26 April 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain Sekurit and Trakya Cam expand together in Russia

On 26 April 2010, Saint-Gobain Sekurit and Trakya Cam signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to set up a 50-50 joint-venture specialized in producing and selling automotive glass in Russia.

Read more [+]

22 April 2010 Saint-Gobain

First-Quarter 2010 Sales: down 0.5% (down 2.4% like-for-like)

Saint-Gobain's consolidated sales for first-quarter 2010 came in at €8,737 million, versus €8,782 million in the first quarter of 2009, representing a decline of 0.5% on an actual structure basis and of 2.0% at constant exchange rates

Read more [+]

19 April 2010 Stallergenes

Positive results for Oralair (R) phase III trial in the USA

Stallergenes S.A. today announced the first results of a phase III clinical trial (VO61.08) conducted in the USA on its sublingual grass pollen immunotherapy tablet, Oralair(R).

Read more [+]

15 April 2010 Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain extends the maturity and reduces the cost of a euro 2.44 billion bank facility

23 banks* participating in the revolving credit facility signed in June 2009 have today agreed to an amendment proposed by Saint-Gobain which introduces the following main changes: The final maturity of the line (currently undrawn) is extended from June 2012 to June 2013 - The current margin of this facility is reduced from 250 to 100 basis points over the Euribor rate, at Saint-Gobain's current long-term senior debt rating of BBB by Standard & Poor's and Baa2 by Moody's

Read more [+]

15 April 2010 Stallergenes

Consolidated sales for the 1st quarter: sustained 13% growth

Consolidated sales for the 1st quarter grew by 13% to € 63.3 million (up 15% in 2009).

Read more [+]

16 March 2010 Stallergenes

2009 Financial Results: Further profit margin growth and significant cash generation

Sales up +13% - Operating profit up 15% - Net profit up 17% - Record free cash flow of €17.5 million (X3.7) - Net cash flow position turned positive - Proposed dividend of 0.55€ (up 22%)

Read more [+]

04 March 2010 Bureau Veritas

2009 Full-Year Results: A good performance in a difficult economic backdrop

Revenue of €2,648 million, +4% - Adjusted operating profit of €433 million, +12% - Attributable adjusted net profit of €274 million, +18% - Levered free cash flow of €310 million, +64% - Accelerated de-leveraging, net debt representing less than 1.4x EBITDA at December 31, 2009

Read more [+]

01 March 2010 Stahl

Stahl achieves fully consensual restructuring

Stahl, the Netherlands-headquartered speciality chemicals group, has completed its financial restructuring, with unanimous consent from senior, second lien and mezzanine lenders as well as hedge counterparties for its debt-for-equity offering

Read more [+]

25 February 2010 Saint-Gobain

2009 Action plan: Ahead of targets - 2009 Dividend unchanged at €1 per share - 2010 Rarget: Strong growth in operating income

Sales prices: +0.8% over the year - Cost savings over the year: €1,100m - Second-half operating income and recurring net income well above the first half: respectively, +38% and +94% - Free cash flow¹ for the year above €1bn (€1,019m), and reduction of €1.4bn in working capital requirements (WCR) - Sharp reduction in capex: -€900m and tight rein on acquisitions, down to €204m - Balance sheet strengthened: €3.1bn of net debt paid down; gearing ratio cut to 53% of equity.

Read more [+]

17 February 2010 Legrand

Success for Legrand's first euro bond issue

Legrand today successfully launched and priced its first euro-denominated bond issue, which is for €300 million over seven years. The maturity date is February 24, 2017 and the annual coupon is 4.25%.

Read more [+]

11 February 2010 Legrand

2009 full-year results

Margins steady - Net debt reduced by over €500m - High level of investment in innovation

Read more [+]

04 February 2010 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas announces 2009 revenue of €2.6 billion and estimates strong growth in adjusted operating profit

Revenue of €2.648 billion: +4% relative to 2008 - Estimated adjusted operating profit of more than €430 million: +12% relative to 2008 - Estimated adjusted operating margin of 16.4%: +120 basis points relative to 2008.

Read more [+]

14 January 2010 Stallergenes

Strong sales growth in Q4: up 15% - 2009 sales guidance exceeded: €193 million, up 13%

Sales growth sped up over the fourth quarter to 15%, 3 percentage points higher than that of third quarter 2009. The markets of Northern Europe ("Other EU") and the sublingual route drove this progression but the markets of Southern Europe had an encouraging recovery in growth over the last quarter. Other markets were affected by a negative basis effect due to the strong growth achieved in 2008. Organic growth, after restatement for foreign exchange effects stood at 13% over the quarter and 12% over the full year.

Read more [+]

07 December 2009 Stallergenes

Very positive 3-year results of the long-term study provide confirmation of the clinical relevance of Oralair(R)

Stallergenes S.A. today announces the 3-year results of a phase III clinical trial (VO53.06) to assess the long-term (sustained) effect and disease modifier effect after discontinuation of treatment of its sublingual grass pollen immunotherapy tablet, Oralair(R). This study is the first ever pivotal study designed to be a long-term and disease modifier trial from the outset.

Read more [+]

27 November 2009 Stallergenes

Stallergenes is granted a marketing authorization for Oralair(R) in Europe

Stallergenes has been granted European approval to market Oralair(R)in both adults and children through a Mutual Recognition Procedure - Germany, the first country where Oralair(R) has been marketed, was the reference Member state.

Read more [+]

17 November 2009 Stallergenes

Stallergenes' growth strategy recognized at the BFM Awards

Stallergenes picked up the "best stock market performance" prize at the BFM Awards ceremony held on November 16, 2009. This prize, organized by the French economics-oriented radio station BFM, is awarded to businesses for outstanding corporate performance during the course of the year.

Read more [+]

05 November 2009 Legrand

Results for the first nine months of 2009: Full and continuing adaptation to market conditions - Upward revision of 2009 margin target

In the first nine months of 2009, Legrand achieved a maintainable adjusted operating margin of 17.9% despite a 15.7% decline in sales at constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates, and generated a high level of free cash flow - Over the first nine months of the year, production costs plus administrative and sales expense fell by a combined 17.5%at constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates...

Read more [+]

04 November 2009 Bureau Veritas

Stable Q3 2009 revenue

Growth in operating margin - Accelerated debt reduction - YTD Q3 2009 revenue totalled €1,968.0 million, up 7.2% relative to YTD Q3 2008 - Q3 2009 revenue totalled €638.5 million, up 0.4% relative to the same period last year...

Read more [+]

22 October 2009 Saint-Gobain

Sales for the first nine months of 2009

Saint-Gobain's consolidated sales for the first nine months of 2009 came in at 28,435 € million versus E33,435 million for the year-earlier period. This represents a decline of 15.0% on a reported basis and of 14.5% like-for-like (constant Group structure and exchange rates) - Sales for third-quarter 2009: -13.9% on a reported basis and -12.7% like-for-like

Read more [+]

15 October 2009 Stallergenes

Continued dynamic growth cumulative sales to the end of September 2009 up 12%

Sales grew at a rate equal to that of the first half year, which was 3 points higher than the growth in the 2nd quarter 2009 - This dynamic remained driven, as in the 1st half year, by the markets of Northern Europe ("Other EU countries") and the sublingual route, which maintained double digit growth rates - This performance must be highlighted against the background of an unfavourable base effect, of strong growth recorded in the 3rd quarter 2008 (+17%).

Read more [+]

16 September 2009 Stallergenes

Positive results for a phase IIb/III trial: immunotherapy tablet containing recombinant allergen

Stallergenes S.A. has announced the first results of a new phase IIb/III clinical trial (VO59.08) conducted in allergic rhinitis caused by birch pollen and concerning the development of a sublingual immunotherapy tablet containing the recombinant allergen of this pollen, rBet v 1.

Read more [+]

27 August 2009 Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas announces high growth in H1 2009 earnings

Revenue of E1.3 billion, +11% - Adjusted operating profit of E214.5 million, +19% - Improvement in adjusted operating margin of 110bp - Adjusted attributable net profit of E137.3 million, +22% - Net cash generated from operating activities of E194.1 million, +103%

Read more [+]