Pilkington Australia - Bidders Push Up Price

Competition to acquire Pilkington Australia may push the price as high as AUD 700M+ as demand for energy efficient double-glazing increases. It is thought that Pilkington Australia makes about AUD 80M in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, expected to grow to USD 110M over the next three years. Current owner Nippon Sheet Glass is being advised by Ernst & Young with bids closing on 27 June 2007. The bidders are: Fletcher Building/CHAMP, CSR, Pacific Equity Partners/DMS Glass and a Korean building products company.