23 March 2010
Leading provider of construction materials reaffirms commitment to emerging growth markets in Europe and Middle East

MAPEI, the worldwide leader in the manufacturing of products for the construction sector, has announced that it has further boosted its global network of production facilities with the acquisition of a production plant in Ruse, Bulgaria that is dedicated to producing ceramic tile adhesives and thermal insulation systems. MAPEI signed the agreement to acquire the facility from Orgachim, a company manufacturing varnishes and paints and listed in the Bulgarian Stock Market.

With the acquisition of the 15,000-square metre plant, which is located in a strategic position at the border between Romania and Bulgaria, MAPEI Group now owns a total of 56 production plants all over the world. The acquisition is part of a series of strategic growth initiatives being implemented by MAPEI in key growth regions such as the Middle East, where it recently launched a new "green" admixture product line that has been specifically developed to produce "greener" concrete that is perfect for the region's demanding climatic conditions.

Laith Haboubi, Business Development Manager, IBS-MAPEI, a subsidiary of MAPEI Group in the Middle East, said: "The acquisition of the production plant is a very important milestone as it sends a strong message that despite the challenges in the global construction sector, MAPEI remains fully committed to serve clients anywhere in the world through various investment initiatives. We believe that the impact of this acquisition will reverberate across all our target markets, particularly in the Middle East where we have just recently launched a new admixture product line."

"This acquisition allows MAPEI to strengthen its presence not only in Bulgaria but also in Romania where the Group is currently operating through its local commercial subsidiary MAPEI Romania. Our investment also proves that, despite the construction industry being affected by the global economic crisis, MAPEI Group will keep on looking at countries in Eastern Europe to identify attractive opportunities from emerging markets," said Veronica Squinzi, Global Business Development Director of MAPEI Group.

MAPEI has already been doing business in Bulgaria for a long time through several local distributors. The acquisition of the new production plant in Ruse, which has started operations at full capacity this year, will allow MAPEI to establish a steady presence in Bulgaria where it can develop a range of products customised according to the local clients' requirements. MAPEI will also be putting up a locally based technical assistance team and a sales support group to satisfy the expectations and needs of the local market.

MAPEI Bulgaria will be managed by Plamen Petrov, the newly appointed General Manager, who is tasked to oversee the growth of the company in the country. Petrov has extensive experience in the Bulgarian market and in the construction industry.

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About Mapei
Founded in Milan in 1937, Mapei is today the world leader in the production of adhesives and complementary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings. The company is also specialized in other chemical products for building: from water-proofing to special mortars, from admixtures for concrete to products for the restoration of ancient buildings.

Mapei Group's production may be summarized as follows: previewed sales in 2009 are 1.7 billion euros and the total number of Mapei Group employees is 6100.

The Group now counts 63 subsidiaries with 56 production facilities in operation in the 5 continents in 25 countries.

Mapei's UAE subsidiary is Innovative Building Solutions LLC (IBS-Mapei). As part of its long-term commitment to the Middle East, the company commenced production in February 2009, at its 40,000 square metre facility at Dubai Investments Park.


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© Press Release 2010