France: Saint-Gobain has announced the sale of its subsidiary Civil Engineering Materials Distribution (DMTP) to Frans Bonhomme Group on 29 November 2019 for Euro70m. This brings the total value of Saint-Gobain’s 2019 divestments to Euro3.3bn. It has stated that it will proceed with the sale of its assets, in spite of having exceeded its target of Euro3.0bn before 1 January 2020.

US: The building products manufacturer Johns Manville has announced its acquisition of ITW Insulation Systems, which specialises in low-temperature polyisocyanurate foam insulation and metal jacketing solutions, for an undisclosed price. Business Wire has reported that the deal is scheduled for closure in December 2019. Johns Manville CEO and president Mary Rhinehart said that the acquisition ‘will give greater versatility to Johns Mansville’s robust and well-rounded portfolio of insulation solutions.’

Romania: Switzerland’s Sika has announced its purchase of Adeplast, a mortars and thermal insulation producer, subject to clearance from Romanian anti-trust authorities. Adeplast generates Euro109m/yr across its four plants. Sika’s Europe, Middle East and Africa regional manager Ivo Schädler spoke positively of ‘exciting crossselling opportunities’ and the possibility of increased market penetration.

Denmark: Rockwool’s sales for the nine months to 30 September 2019 were Euro2.0bn, up by 3.2% from Euro1.9bn in the corresponding period of 2018. Its earnings before interest and taxes over the period were up by 7.8% year-on-year at Euro278m in the first nine months of 2019 from Euro258m. The company forecast annual sales growth of 2% - 5% and no change in EBIT margin from 12.8% in 2018. Rockwool vice president Michael Zarin noted positively Rockwool’s stonewool insulation’s versality in tackling many of today’s biggest sustainability and development challenges.