



               DALLAS, TEXAS .  .  .  March 12, 1996 .  .  .  Valhi, Inc.
          (NYSE:VHI) announced today that it is increasing the regular
          quarterly dividend on its common stock from three cents ($.03)
          per share to five cents ($.05) per share and that its Board of
          Directors has declared a first quarter dividend of five cents
          ($0.05) per share on its common stock, payable March 29, 1996, to
          stockholders of record at the close of business March 22, 1996.


               Valhi, Inc. is a diversified company engaged in the chemicals, 
           refined sugar, building products and other industries.

