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Purchase offer from CVC for Forbo

Eglisau / Zurich, March 4, 2005

The Board of Directors of Forbo Holding AG was informed on Friday of the pre-announcement of a public purchase offer from CVC Capital Partners for all outstanding shares of Forbo Holding at a price of CHF 260 per share. It is the Board of Directors’ intention to ask the shareholders to accept the offer. Bank Vontobel, commissioned to prepare a fairness opinion, will evaluate the appropriateness of the offer.

„The offer allows the Forbo shareholders to decide at their own on the future ownership of the company“, says Rolf Watter, President designate of the Board of Directors.

Forbo is a leading producer of floor coverings, adhesives, and beltings. The company with head office in Eglisau, Switzerland, employs some 5,600 people. The holding company – Forbo Holding AG – is listed at the SWX Swiss Exchange (securities number 354'151, Bloomberg FORN SW, Reuters FORZn S). Further information can be found at www.forbo.com.

Corina Atzli
Head of Corporate Communications
Tel: + 41 1 868 25 69
Fax: + 41 1 868 35 69