Saint-Gobain's (SG) Construction Products sector is strengthening its positions in emerging countries, thanks to 6 acquisitions recently completed in S Africa; Algeria; Turkey & Argentina. The acquisitions concern companies involved in the industrial mortars, insulation & gypsum businesses, & represent total sales of more than EUR 230M. In S Africa, SG has acquired TAC & Tylon, the country's leading manufacturer of industrial mortars for tile adhesives, & entered into an agreement with a view to acquiring Owens-Corning S Africa, subject to the approval of the S African competition authorities. In Algeria, SG acquired 66% of the share capital of CM Gypso, based in Bouira. CM Gypso has 2 quarries, which are thought to hold more than 40M/t of gypsum. In Turkey, SG & its partner Alghanim have taken joint control of Izocam, acquiring a majority stake in its capital. In Argentina, SG has acquired Iggam, a company specializing in industrial mortars & plaster. IGGAM reported sales of EUR 18M in 2005 & has 2 plants, one near Buenos Aires, & one in the state of Entre Rios. In Argentina, SG has acquired Iggam, a company specializing in industrial mortars & plaster.
