Ad-hoc | 14 May 2001 11:29

Ad hoc-Service: Villeroy & Boch AG english

Ad hoc announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Mettlach. 14 May 2001 Villeroy & Boch plans take over of Düker’s acrylic division Villeroy & Boch AG in Mettlach and Düker AG & Co. KGaA in Karlstadt have started negotiations regarding the transfer of Düker’s acrylic division to Villeroy & Boch. Düker aims to concentrate future business on its traditional core competence, which consists of cast-iron products for the construction sector and highly- acid-proof enamelled components for use in the chemical industry. In view of these considerations, Düker intends to part with its acrylic division, but attaches great importance to the fact that this division’s activities are passed on to a company which enjoys the same excellent relationship with German wholesalers and plumbing contractors, as Düker itself. Since Villeroy & Boch decided in 1999 to integrate its wellness activities – the manufacture and marketing of acrylic bath tubs, shower trays, whirlpools, shower partitions and shower systems – into a new Division, this area of activity has enjoyed rapid growth. After acquiring Ucosan in the Netherlands, Gustavsberg’s wellness division, Svenska Badkar in Sweden and also Vagnerplast in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the take over of Düker’s acrylic activities would represent a further strengthening of the Division, especially in Germany and France. end of ad hoc announcement (c) DGAP 14.05.2001 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 765723; Index: SDax Listed: Amtlicher Handel in Frankfurt (SMAX); Freiverkehr in Berlin und Düsseldorf und Hamburg 141129 Mai 01