December 20, 2019
SAINT-GOBAIN COMPLETES THE DIVESTMENT OF ITS CONSTRUCTION GLASS BUSINESS IN SOUTH KOREA
Saint-Gobain completed the sale of its construction glass activity in South Korea (Hankuk Glass Industries) to Glenwood Private Equity on December 19, 2019.
The business generated revenues of around €200 million and operating income of €10 million in 2018. The divestment was based on an enterprise value of around €240 million.
This transaction is part of Saint-Gobain’s portfolio optimization strategy within the framework of its new organization. Divestments completed or signed by the Group to date in order to enhance its growth and profitability profile represent sales of around €3.3 billion. Saint-Gobain is continuing its divestment program even though the initial target of over €3 billion in sales divested by the end of the year has already been met.
January 6, 2020
SAINT-GOBAIN COMPLETES THE DIVESTMENT OF ITS EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE (EPS) BUSINESS IN FRANCE
Saint-Gobain completed on December 31, 2019 the sale of its expanded polystyrene (EPS) business in France to the Austrian and Swedish consortium Hirsch-BEWiSynbra.
The EPS business in France had generated sales of around €70 million in 2018.
This transaction is part of Saint-Gobain’s portfolio optimization strategy within the framework of its new organization. Divestments completed or signed by the Group to date in order to enhance its growth and profitability profile represent sales of around €3.3 billion. Saint-Gobain is continuing its divestment program even though the initial target of over €3 billion in sales divested by the end of 2019 has been met.
January 7, 2020
SAINT-GOBAIN ADDS TO ITS HIGH PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS PORTFOLIO BY ACQUIRING HTMS IN HIGH-TEMPERATURE RESISTANT SEALS
Saint-Gobain has acquired High Tech Metal Seals (HTMS), a designer and manufacturer of engineered metal seals for the industrial, energy and aerospace markets. It completes the Group’s product range in offering tailor-made solutions in the sealing industry, after the acquisition of American Seal and Engineering Co., a leader in technical sealing solutions also used in the energy and aerospace industries as well as in transportation, at the start of 2019.
HTMS has developed a unique and differentiated niche positioning by providing very advanced metal sealing solutions for use under extreme temperature and pressure conditions. Created in 1999, HTMS employs about 50 people at one site in Belgium.
This acquisition is in line with the Group’s strategy of developing technological niches. It will join the Mobility business, extending further the seals product range offering and solutions for critical applications. It will accelerate Saint-Gobain’s growth, in particular in aerospace, and the business will benefit from our global sales platform, notably in Asia.
January 7, 2020
SAINT-GOBAIN ACQUIRES SONEX IN ACOUSTIC CEILINGS IN BRAZIL
Saint-Gobain announces the acquisition of Sonex in Brazil, a company specialized in the manufacture and supply of acoustic ceiling systems, marketed in particular under the Sonex, Nexacustic and Fiberwood brands.
Sonex is based in Diadema in the state of São Paulo and offers innovative high-performance solutions in a wide range of colors, materials and forms, allowing architects and builders to create aesthetically-pleasing and comfortable interior spaces for the end user.
This acquisition completes the Group’s existing offer in Brazil in ceilings. It is in line with the Group’s strategy to reinforce its presence in emerging countries. It allows Saint-Gobain to accelerate its development in Brazil, where it has been present since 1937, in a high-potential construction market.
January 21, 2020
SAINT-GOBAIN’S LEADING EFFORTS AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE ONCE AGAIN RECOGNIZED BY CDP
This year, Saint-Gobain has once again been named as a member of the “Climate Change A List” drawn up by CDP, a global non-profit organization that identifies companies involved in the fight against climate change.
Saint-Gobain was recognized for its actions to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions over the past year, mitigate climate risks and develop a low-carbon economy. For instance, Saint-Gobain has installed turbines in India and Italy to produce electricity from previously non-recovered energy. By the end of 2018, Saint-Gobain had reduced its CO2 emissions by 12% compared to 2010.
Pierre-André de Chalendar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain, said: “This recognition underlines the Group’s involvement and its commitment to transparency on the subject of climate change, as well as the efforts already undertaken to reduce our CO2 emissions. It also commends the ambitious commitment we made in 2019 year to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the +1.5°C warming scenarios. »
The environmental data collected by CDP from more than 8,400 companies and 900 cities and states around the world makes CDP’s platform one of the richest sources of information globally on how companies and governments are taking action against climate change. The full list of companies that are part of this year’s Climate Change A list is available here: https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores
The CDP evaluates companies and assigns them a score from A to D, based on the comprehensiveness of disclosure, awareness and management of environmental risks, and by judging their level of environmental leadership through the best practices they have implemented, such as setting ambitious and meaningful targets.
January 23, 2020
AN AFFILIATE OF SAINT-GOBAIN IN THE US TAKES ACTION TO ACHIEVE EQUITABLE AND PERMANENT RESOLUTION OF ITS ASBESTOS LIABILITIES
DBMP LLC, an affiliate of CertainTeed LLC, based in North Carolina that holds the legacy asbestos liabilities of the former CertainTeed Corporation, today announced that it has filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 relief in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina in Charlotte in an effort to equitably and permanently resolve all of its current and future asbestos claims. Chapter 11 is a special legal process under U.S. law, which can take 3 to 8 years to run its course, that immediately stays all litigation thus allowing the filing company the time and protection to negotiate in a single forum an agreement approved by claimants and by the court.
DBMP LLC intends to seek court authority to establish a trust under Section 524(g) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to ensure that all individuals with current and future asbestos claims are treated fairly and equitably. Section 524(g) is a specific provision of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that is applicable to companies that have been subject to and would continue to face substantial numbers of asbestos-related claims: dozens of companies – including a number of the most prominent defendants – have used this process to resolve their asbestos liabilities.
DBMP LLC is the parent company of another North Carolina entity, which operates manufacturing plants that are unaffected by the filing and will continue as usual with no impact on employees, customers and suppliers. All other affiliates of the Saint-Gobain Group in the U.S. are not part of the Chapter 11 filing and will continue to operate in normal course.
This bankruptcy filing is intended to enable DBMP LLC to achieve a certain, final and equitable resolution of all current and future claims arising from asbestos-containing products manufactured or sold by the former CertainTeed Corporation. While DBMP LLC pursues such a resolution through the bankruptcy process, all asbestos litigation will be stayed and all related costs suspended.
The establishment of a trust to pay all current and future asbestos claims is consistent with the values of DBMP LLC, and before it, the former CertainTeed Corporation, which have responsibly managed their asbestos-related issues. The trust will benefit both the claimants and DBMP LLC. Current and future plaintiffs with meritorious claims will be able to receive faster payment of their claims without the delay, stress and uncertainty of litigation in the tort system. At the same time, the creation and funding of such a trust will permanently resolve DBMP LLC’s asbestos liabilities, eliminating cash flow volatility caused by the litigation.
DBMP LLC is taking this action at this time as a result of the increasing risks presented in the tort system. Despite the aging of the population and lessening opportunity for claimants to assert legitimate claims of exposure to CertainTeed Corporation asbestos-containing products, naming practices in the tort system continue to result in a steady volume of claims against DBMP LLC, with no foreseeable end in sight. Moreover, in general, settlement demands and verdicts in the tort system are escalating.
At Saint-Gobain Group level, the stay of litigation will result in all legal costs and indemnity payments related to DBMP LLC’s numerous asbestos claims being suspended, and no more annual charges in relation to such claims (estimated at €88 million in 2019). Other than this effect on cash flow and annual charges, the impact of today’s decision of DBMP LLC is not expected to materially affect Saint-Gobain’s overall financial situation (including its current provisions), profitability, and cash generation profile. As of today, DBMP LLC and its subsidiary will no longer be consolidated with the Group and, as a result, their operating income (estimated at €12 million, on a full year basis) will no longer be included in the Group’s operating income.
History of Asbestos Products and Litigation
DBMP LLC’s asbestos liabilities relate primarily to various products manufactured and/or sold by CertainTeed Corporation, which last manufactured products containing asbestos in 1992. At the time of the bankruptcy filing, DBMP LLC had more than 60,000 claims, more than 32,000 of which are in active litigation.
Additional information regarding DBMP LLC and the section 524(g) process is available by sending an email to DBMPInfo@saint-gobain.com. Court filings and information about DBMP’s bankruptcy case are available by calling or emailing DBMP’s claims and noticing agent, Epiq, at (at 866-977-0765 (US Parties); 503-924-5411 (non-US Parties); and dbmp@epiqglobal.com. The case website address from Epiq is also https://dm.epiq11.com/dbmp.
January 30, 2020
SAINT-GOBAIN MOVES FORWARD WITH THE ACQUISITION OF CONTINENTAL BUILDING PRODUCTS FOLLOWING REGULATORY AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL
Saint-Gobain today announces that Continental Building Products (NYSE: CBPX) obtained shareholder approval to be acquired by Saint-Gobain and that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act has expired thereby satisfying the regulatory approval requirements under the merger agreement. The Group expects the deal to close on February 3, 2020.
Upon completion of the transaction, Saint-Gobain will acquire all the outstanding shares of Continental Building Products for $37.00 per share, in cash, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.4 billion (approximately €1.3 billion).
Continental Building Products, a highly respected plasterboard player in North America, employs 645 people and is expected to generate 2019 revenues of approximately $510 million and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $130 million per broker consensus.
Strategic benefits:
* Broadens Saint-Gobain’s asset portfolio and enhances ability to provide wider customer base with innovative solutions. The combination will allow customers to benefit from an enriched product portfolio supported by Saint-Gobain’s global R&D and product development infrastructure.
* Increases Saint-Gobain’s presence in growth regions in the United States. Continental Building Products provides a strong geographic complement to Saint-Gobain’s North American operations, good positioning in growth regions in the East and Southeast United States, and strong profitability.
Similar culture and shared values. The integration of both companies will be enabled by similar business cultures and operational models, which will allow the acceleration of value creation for our shareholders and our customers.
* Creates opportunity for at least $50 million in cost synergies and performance improvements. These cost synergies are expected by the end of the third year following transaction close (i.e. full year 2022, one year ahead of the initial schedule). Saint-Gobain expects the synergies will be captured through the integration of Continental Building Products’ operations into Saint-Gobain’s North America gypsum business.
Pierre-André de Chalendar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain, commented:
“We are excited to have quickly received all necessary approvals to finalize the acquisition of Continental Building Products. This transaction will allow us to become a leading player in plasterboard and construction solutions across North America. It will enable the Group to enhance its growth and profitability profile, in line with the objectives of our ‘Transform & Grow’ program, and will create value for our shareholders.”
Benoit Bazin, Chief Operating Officer, added:
“By combining forces with Continental Building Products, we have a unique opportunity to deliver innovative products to growth markets across North America, while maintaining a superior level of customer service. We are delighted that key leaders of Continental Building Products will be joining our plasterboard business in the US, which will be managed by Jay Bachmann, former CEO of Continental Building Products, reporting to Mark Rayfield, CEO Saint-Gobain North America. Our integration plan is on track and we are confident in our ability to deliver the expected synergies.”
CONTACTS PRESSE :
Analyst/Investor relations |
|
| Vivien Dardel
Floriana ichalowska Christelle Gannage |
+33 1 47 62 44 29
+33 1 47 62 35 98 +33 1 47 62 30 93 |
Press relations |
|
| Laurence Pernot
Patricia Marie Susanne Trabitzsch |
+33 1 47 62 30 10
+33 1 47 62 51 37 +33 1 47 62 43 25 |
January 30, 2020
Saint-Gobain: Top Employer Global for the 5th consecutive year.
Saint-Gobain has once again been certified “Top Employer Global” and is one of the 13 companies worldwide which received this label. The Top Employers Institute, the independent organization which awards it, highlighted the theme of Saint-Gobain’s performance management through the work carried out on employee feedback and recognition. The Group also distinguished itself through its talent acquisition policy by the attention it pays to the involvement of employees in the recruitment and the use of innovative solutions such as gamification or programmatic. In total, 35 countries in which Saint-Gobain operates were labeled: this is two more than in 2019. These two additional certifications enabled the Group to receive for the first time the local label “Top Employer Middle East”, in addition to the renewal of its certifications “Top Employer Europe”, “Top Employer North America”, “Top Employer Asia-Pacific” and “Top Employer Latin America”.
The Top Employers Institute awards the Top Employer Global label to companies that it has certified in at least 20 countries and on several continents. More than 100 questions on 600 working condition practices and indicators have been audited for each of the 35 countries certified, namely: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
“The “Top Employer Global” certification is a real opportunity for Saint-Gobain to enhance its human resources policy, and in particular the importance of developing its talents and their well-being within the Group. These results are supported by our global internal study: 87% of our employees say they are proud to work for Saint-Gobain. For the past five years, this recognition has pushed us to progress”, said Senior Vice President Human Resources and Digital Transformation Claire Pedini.
ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN
Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and solutions which are key ingredients in the wellbeing of each of us and the future of all. They can be found everywhere in our living places and our daily life: in buildings, transportation, infrastructure and in many industrial applications. They provide comfort, performance and safety while addressing the challenges of sustainable construction, resource efficiency and climate change.
€41.8 billion in sales in 2018
Operates in 68 countries
More than 180,000 employees
www.saint-gobain.com
@saintgobain
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laurence Pernot: +33 (0)1 47 62 30 10
Partricia Marie: +33 (0)1 47 62 51 37
Susanne Trabitzsch: +33 (0)1 47 62 43 25
February 19, 2020
INVITATION
PRESENTATION OF THE 2019 ANNUAL RESULTS
Pierre-André de Chalendar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Benoit Bazin, Chief Operating Officer, invite you to attend a telephone conference during which they will present you Saint-Gobain’s 2019 annual results and prospects. This telephone conference will be held on:
February 27, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. (French time)
Journalists wishing to attend this telephone conference are kindly requested to contact Susanne Trabitzsch (e-mail: susanne.trabitzsch@saint-gobain.com – tel.: + 33 1 47 62 43 25) by February 24, 2020 at the latest.