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Forbo reinforces market position with Belting

Eglisau, August 29, 2002

Forbo will acquire the British belting supplier Stephens Miraclo Extremultus Ltd., in which 25 percent participation has been held for some time. With the complete takeover, Forbo - whose belting activities run under the name of Siegling - wants to further expand its already strong market position in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The transfer is to become effective on October 1, 2002.

The long-established family company Stephens Miraclo Extremultus Ltd. has distributed Siegling products for more than 50 years, employing a staff of 80. With annual sales of some CHF 17 million, the company is among the leading belting suppliers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This market is characterized by a high percentage of applications for the food industry.

Through this acquisition, Forbo will now be represented by its own subsidiaries in all the European markets.

Forbo is a global manufacturer of floorings, belting, and adhesives. The Group employs some 5 700 people worldwide and has an international network of 39 production companies in 12 countries and 79 marketing organizations in 28 countries.

Contact:

Ursula Leonhard
Head of Corporate Communications
Tel: + 41 1 868 25 69
Fax: + 41 1 868 35 69

Gerold Zenger
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: + 41 1 868 25 25
Fax: + 41 1 868 25 26