Dubai, May 24, 2009: MAPEI, the world leader in the production of adhesives for the building sector, has acquired the assets of All-Purpose Adhesive Company (APAC) of Dalton, Georgia, USA. APAC manufactures state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly adhesives for the installation of floor-covering materials such as resilient flooring, carpet, ceramic tiles and vinyl composition tiles (VCT). MAPEI - with 1.7 billion euros in annual revenues, 6,000 employees, 54 subsidiaries and 54 manufacturing plants located in 24 countries around the world - will be incorporating the APAC brand as a valued addition to the MAPEI Group. "This acquisition is in line with our long-term strategy," commented Giorgio Squinzi, CEO of MAPEI Group. "We pursue organic growth in all markets, while considering interesting acquisitions whenever possible. Through the acquisition of the APAC assets, we gain a reliable industry brand that exhibits innovative technology, consistent product quality and strong performance."

APAC's manufacturing excellence and key geographic presence in Dalton, Georgia, will be combined with MAPEI's innovative technology in product development, reinforcing MAPEI's leadership role in the setting materials and adhesives industry in North America. The Dalton location, with its proximity to raw materials, is also a key factor in maintaining operating efficiencies in MAPEI's floor-covering manufacturing process. "Over the coming months, we will

integrate the APAC brand with our other lines to strengthen MAPEI's position in the floor-covering installation systems market segment," said MAPEI Americas President and CEO Rainer Blair.

The teams responsible for the APAC brand will carry on business as usual with APAC's current customers, and the company is currently expanding the APAC sales force to gain additional sales. The collective product lines of MAPEI and APAC will complement each other, offering customers a wider-based total solution for their floor-covering adhesive needs.

"MAPEI's leading role around the world in the manufacture of chemical products for the building industry allows us to take a particularly long-range view of market developments," Squinzi said. "This has enabled MAPEI to act positively in these trying economic times, confirming our status as a solid and constantly growing company based on continuous innovation. The secret behind MAPEI's constant growth lies, as always, in very concrete values, such as constant commitment

to achieve excellence in our work and an ability to plan for the future with a great sense of responsibility towards our business partners. Our commitment to growth in the Americas is evidenced by such affirmative steps as the addition of the APAC brand to our existing lines. We take great pride in welcoming the APAC associates and stakeholders to the MAPEI family."

-Ends-

About APAC
As an adhesive manufacturer in the heart of the carpet industry - Dalton, Georgia - APAC knows the importance of supporting the floor-covering industry's growth by manufacturing high performance adhesives that are compliant with VOC standards. Many of APAC adhesives already carry the Carpet and Rug Institute's "Green Label Plus" seal of approval as well as meet

the strict VOC emissions standards set forth by the FCAMC (Floor Covering Adhesive Manufacturers Committee). At APAC, the company's outstanding success over the years has been the result of developing quality, competitively priced products that are environmentally conscious.

About MAPEI
MAPEI has been supplying systems for tile and stone installation, floor-covering installation, decorative concrete and concrete restoration for more than 70 years. With more than 50,000 customers worldwide and 54 associated manufacturing plants operating in 24 countries, MAPEI is a single-source supplier for commercial, industrial and residential projects. MAPEI is a registered provider to the AIA/CES program and also offers training related to ceramic and stone tile, floor coverings and concrete repair through the MAPEI Technical Institute. MAPEI is an environmentally conscious manufacturer and is a member of numerous environmental association such as U.S. Green Building, which is a council member since 2001. Mapei is presented in UAE through its subsidiary Innovative Building Solution LLC. Visit www.mapei.com  for technical data or email info@ibs-mapei.ae.

For Further information, contact:
Marwa G. El-Moniery
Marketing Communications Co-ordinator
Tel: 056 6033361
m.moniery@ibs-mapei.ae
www.ibs-mapei.ae
www.mapei.com

© Press Release 2009