June 3rd 2014 aliaxis to acquire vinidex strengthening its presence in australasia

Aliaxis to acquire Vinidex, strengthening its presence in Australasia Brussels – Sydney, June 3, 2014 - Today Aliaxis announces the signing of a share purchase agreement to acquire Metal Manufactures Ltd.’s wholly owned subsidiary Vinidex Pty Ltd, a leading Australian manufacturer of PVC and Polyethylene piping systems with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and distribution network across Australia. Vinidex generates AUD 500 million (approximately € 340 million) in annual sales. The Company is active in diverse markets, supplying a broad range of products for building, infrastructure, irrigation, mining and industrial applications. Financial details about the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition of Vinidex is a significant step in Aliaxis’ development as a leading global manufacturer and distributor of plastic fluid handling solutions. Joining forces with Vinidex enables the Group to deliver on its strategy of strengthening its global reach and seizing opportunities in growing markets to deliver sustainable profitable growth. As a member of Aliaxis, Vinidex will gain access to a range of new products and know-how, which will contribute to further expanding the business and enhancing the value proposition for its customers.

Chief Executive Officer of Aliaxis, Yves Mertens, said “Today marks a very significant step in the global development of Aliaxis. We are very excited about Vinidex joining Aliaxis and we welcome the Company’s strong management team and all 600 committed employees on board. We will continue to build on Vinidex’s excellent reputation in terms of product quality, service and innovation established over the last 50 years.

Our businesses in Australasia, including Vinidex, will be under the continuing leadership and coordination of Don McKenzie, our divisional CEO Australasia. We welcome Colin Weatherstone, Managing Director of Vinidex, on board as a key member of the Australasian Leadership Team.

Vinidex will join, and add to, a portfolio of leading brands across the globe.”

The sale is subject to regulatory approval. Both parties anticipate a completion of the transaction over the coming months.

About Vinidex Vinidex Pty Ltd is Australia’s leading manufacturer and supplier of thermoplastic pipe and fittings systems for the transportation of fluid, data and energy.

Established in 1960, Vinidex has an enviable reputation built on product quality, customer service, innovation and performance. Vinidex is considered a leader in environmental performance and sustainability with material efficient product design, energy efficient production and recycling programs which process end of life pipe back into new pipe products.

Employing approximately 600 staff in 9 manufacturing plants and 10 distribution centres located throughout Australia, Vinidex manufactures PVC, Polyethylene and Polypropylene pipe systems from 15 mm to 1000 mm in diameter. Vinidex pipe and fittings systems are used in a broad cross-section of applications including plumbing, water supply, sewerage, drainage, mining, industrial, irrigation, gas, electrical, power and telecommunications. Vinidex has extensive logistics experience with major projects and a proven track record for project delivery.

More on www.vinidex.com.au About Aliaxis Aliaxis is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of primarily plastic fluid handling systems used in residential and commercial construction, as well as in industrial and public infrastructure applications.

Aliaxis’ well-known brands such as Ashirvad, Durman, Friatec, IPEX, Marley and Nicoll have a strong identity and are firmly established in the geographic markets they serve. With a presence in over 40 countries, with more than 100 manufacturing and commercial entities and employing over 15,700 people, the Belgian privately owned company generated net sales of € 2.5 billion in 2013.

In addition to the well-established markets of Europe and the United States and Canada, it has operations in Latin America, Australasia, South-Africa and Asia.

Thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of its people, balanced with the strengths, knowhow and international reach of the Group, it continues to develop and improve its positions in key construction applications throughout the world.

More on www.aliaxis.com

Press Contacts Françoise Vanthemsche Group Communications Director +32 2 775 50 86 fvanthemsche@aliaxis.com