On December 31st 2009, DSI’s USA Mining and Tunneling business units: DSI Ground Support Inc., Met-tech Inc., Fasloc Inc. and American Commercial Inc., merged into the newly founded DSI company in the USA titled DSI Underground Systems Inc..

This represents a further strategic step towards concentrating DSI’s business activities and strengthening its consistent market presence. The new operative unit will create efficient and lean structures, thus further strengthening DSI’s position in the North American Underground market.

Regional Chief Executive Officer, Alan Henderson, states: “The new legal entity structure considerably strengthens DSI’s market presence in the USA by fully utilizing operational and commercial synergies of the previous 4 companies. DSI is positioning itself for further growth in the United States coal, hard rock mining and tunneling sectors. DSI now has 6 manufacturing facilities in the USA with plans for further expansion.”

Until recently, DSI held a majority interest in DYWIDAG Sistemas Constructivos (DSC) in Spain.

In November 2009, DSI successfully acquired the remainder of the shares so that, from now on, DSC is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of the DSI Group. Based in Fuenlabrada, in the south of Madrid, DSC will continue to be managed by Amadeo Vilar as the manager in authority.

DSC’s business activities include the following areas:

- DYWIDAG Post-Tensioning Systems,
- DYWIDAG Geotechnical Systems and
- Tunneling/Mining Systems. 

DSC is completely integrated into our pan-European structures and has been co-operating successfully with all of the DSI companies within the EMEA region for years.

The complete technical and logistic support for our activities on the Iberian Peninsula – Spain and Portugal - is concentrated at DSC’s headquarters in Fuenlabrada, Spain. These measures constitute yet another important step towards the expansion of our leading market position on the Iberian Peninsula.

In South Africa, the DSI Group participates in a 50/50 joint venture, DYWIDAG-Systems International (Pty) Limited (“DSI SA”).

The DSI Group is aware of the announcement made by the South African Competition Commission on 30th September 2009 setting out its recommendations to the Competition Tribunal.

DSI SA has, along with all the other manufacturers in the mining bolt market, recently been the subject of an investigation into cartel activity in the South African mining bolt market. This follows on from an associated investigation into the activities of the wider steel industry in South Africa going back to the last decade.  DSI SA management has, with the full support of both shareholders, co-operated fully with the Competition Commission during its investigation.

If the recommendations of the Competition Commission are adopted by the Tribunal, any fine will be levied against DSI SA itself and will be based on a maximum of 10% of the annual turnover of DSI SA.

Alan Bate, Chairman and CEO of the DSI Group commented: “Under my leadership, the DSI Group has adopted a clear ethics policy. We are committed to operate in accordance with high moral and ethical standards that embrace and go beyond the laws of each country in which we operate. The management of all our fully owned subsidiaries are now held fully accountable for compliance. The Boards of management of all our associated and joint venture companies are aware of our policy and expected standards and are supportive of our strong position in this area.”

Alan Bate

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

About DSI

The DSI Group has over 2.200 employees worldwide with operations across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.
DSI is the world’s leading systems supplier in the fields of civil engineering and underground construction. Their products and services are mainly used in infrastructure projects, for instance for bridges or slope stabilization as well as in mining roof support and tunnel construction.

Aschheim, 30 April 2009. The DSI Chairman and CEO Alan Bate today announced the appointment of Nick Moses as the new Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
He replaces Paul Taaffe, who has resigned for personal reasons.

Nick Moses (42) is expected to join the Group on 5 May 2009 and will be based in Aschheim and Luxembourg. He will report to Alan Bate, Group Chairman and CEO.

Until recently, Nick was the Group Chief Financial Officer of J C Bamford Excavators Ltd. This family-owned business generated GBP 2 billion in turnover in 2007 and is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment. The company employs over 8,000 people on four continents and sells its products in 150 countries.

Prior to that, Nick was Chief Financial Officer of Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems SA. This was a CVC backed automotive manufacturer and supplier of rubber profiles used for door and window sealing systems. Nick joined Metzeler in the U.S. as Vice President of Finance, North America in 1998 and was promoted to CFO in 2003. He saw the business through to a sale in 2007.

Commenting on the appointment, Alan Bate said. “Nick brings with him a wealth of manufacturing, business and private equity experience. I am confident he will quickly become a major contributor to DSI’s success.”

Also commenting on the departure of Paul Taaffe, the Chairman took the opportunity to thank Paul Taaffe for his significant contribution to DSI. He added: “Paul introduced a steady hand to DSI following the change of ownership and drove improvement in many areas. We wish him well in his endeavors outside DSI.”

Hans Wlodkowski has long term in-depth experience in the Special Construction and Post-Tensioning Industry combined with expertise in Threadbar production. In his latest position as Executive Vice President Business Development at Stahlwerk Annahuette, Hans Wlodkowski was responsible for the global Business Development and Research & Development of Threadbar and Special Construction Technologies.

Previously, Hans Wlodkowski served as RCEO – Regional Chief Executive for VSL-International for five years, to develop and consolidate their businesses in Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. VSL is part of the BOUYGUES Construction Specialist Works Division in France and the world’s second largest construction company.

In fact, Hans Wlodkowski even disposes of long-term experience with DSI in Munich, North America and Far East. His combined experience both in the technical field and in business development makes him a valuable asset for the group.

According to Alan Bate, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, “Hans Wlodkowski is an excellent fit with DSI. His international experience and in-depth technical knowledge in Post-Tensioning will support the DSI Group in its future business development around the world. His proven track record for analytical and tactical business planning will enable him to identify new markets and new business opportunities for DSI.”

AGRHIMERC S.A.C., founded in 1997, is a well established producer of products such as split sets and rock reinforcement products for the mining markets.

AGRHIMERC S.A.C. is well-recognized among its clients for its high quality service to the Peruvian mining industries. The mid-sized company produces different types of rock bolts that can be flexibly adjusted to varying ground conditions. AGRHIMERC S.A.C has been a partner of long standing for important infrastructural projects in Peru and adjacent Latin American countries. Among other projects, the company will contribute to 13 major electric power stations.

All employees of AGRHIMERC S.A.C. have transferred to DSI Peru S.A.C.. DSI Peru S.A.C. was established specifically to acquire the AGRHIMERC business. It is headquartered in Lima, Peru. The company will contribute to DSI’s global product range and will be able to extend its service and customer support. DSI Peru’s staff will continue its dynamic growth of the past few years.  By introducing their newly developed forepoling systems to the underground operations, DSI Peru will take a leading position and will become one of the strongest suppliers in Peru.

Mr. Rafael Vizquerra Bellido,one of the former owners of AGRHIMERC S.A.C., will assume the position of General Manager. His market knowledge and experience of long standing do not only serve to motivate his team, but make him a valuable asset for DSI. The acquisition of AGRHIMERC S.A.C.’s business was a further strategic step and provides DSI Mining with a strong manufacturing and distribution base in Peru from which to service the expanding mining markets in Bolivia, Columbia and Ecuador.

About DSI
The DSI Group has over 2.200 employees worldwide with operations across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In 2007, the DSI Group was acquired by CVC Capital Partners, a private equity fund that strongly supports the DSI Group. DSI is the world’s leading systems supplier in the fields of civil engineering and underground construction. Their products and services are mainly used in infrastructure projects, for instance for bridges or slope stabilization as well as in mining roof support and tunnel construction.

About CVC Capital Partners
CVC Capital Partners ("CVC") is a leading global private equity and investment advisory firm founded in 1981, with a network of 18 Offices and 160 employees throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. CVC is currently investing from CVC Fund IV, CVC Asia II and CVC Tandem Fund with an aggregate of more than $15bn in equity capital. The CVC team’s local knowledge and extensive contacts underpin a 25-year proven track record of investment success.

Fosminas Ancoragens Ltda., founded in 2003, is a leading producer of a wide range of mining products with strong R&D activities. Fosminas Ancoragens Ltda. is headquartered in the southeast of Brazil, in Nova Lima, near Minas Gerais, the state capital of Belo Horizonte. The city of Nova Lima is located in the biggest mining area of Brazil since colonial times. The region’s mining focus is on extracting iron- and manganese ore, uranium, tin, zinc and phosphates. The Quadrilátero Ferrífero region features one of the world’s biggest iron ore deposits in addition to having the most important gold deposits in Brazil.

In this region, Fosminas is market leader in the development, production and supply of ground support products to underground mines with strong export activities. All 28 employees of Fosminas Ancoragens Ltda. are continuing with the company that will operate as DSI in the future. Mr. Cleber Lima, the former owner of Fosminas, will assume the position of general manager.

Over the last eight years DSI has, through strong organic growth and the acquisition of strategically located companies, successfully established and expanded its activities in supplying strata control products to mining companies to become the global market leader.

According to Alan Bate, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of DSI, “DSI has been successful on the Brazilian construction market since 1971 through its majority participation in Protendidos DYWIDAG, Sao Paulo. The acquisition of Fosminas was a further strategic step and provides DSI Mining with a strong manufacturing and distribution base in Brazil from which to service the expanding mining markets of South America. Fosminas, who already supply their high quality and well accepted products to several South American countries, will have access to DSI´s network of companies and greatly benefit from DSI’s global market position. Fosminas has an excellent reputation in the market with well respected management and a desire to expand, which makes them an excellent fit with DSI”.

About DSI
The DSI Group has over 2.200 employees worldwide with operations across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In 2007, the DSI Group was acquired by CVC Capital Partners, a private equity fund that strongly supports the DSI Group.
DSI is the world’s leading systems supplier in the fields of civil engineering and underground construction. Their products and services are mainly used in infrastructure projects, for instance for bridges or slope stabilization as well as in mining roof support and tunnel construction.

About CVC Capital Partners
CVC Capital Partners ("CVC") is a leading global private equity and investment advisory firm founded in 1981, with a network of 18 Offices and 160 employees throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. CVC is currently investing from CVC Fund IV, CVC Asia II and CVC Tandem Fund with an aggregate of more than $15bn in equity capital. The CVC team’s local knowledge and extensive contacts underpin a 25-year proven track record of investment success.

DYWIDAG-Systems International GmbH (DSI) is pleased to announce that DSI has acquired MET-TECH Industries Ltd. on January, 3^rd, 2008

MET-TECH, founded in 1981, is an important US producer of a wide range of mining products with strong R&D activities.

Situated in Cambridge, Ohio, MET-TECH is located in the northern region of the coal basin in the Appalachian Mountains. MET-TECH’s main activities include the development, production and supply of high quality ground support products and systems for the coal mining industry.

Commencing immediately MET-TECH will operate as DSI MET-TECH and will be part of DSI’s Mining Operations in the USA. Although the name may have changed, we can assure you that the management, staff and employees of MET-TECH as well as DSI are committed to maintaining the high level of service, technological innovation and product quality that has made MET-TECH a respected supplier in the USA. Our long term experience in mining as well as our global market position will enhance the level of service provided.

DSI is the global market leader in the development, production and application of Construction & Underground Systems with about 2,000 employees worldwide and operations across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. DSI has made strong progress over the past few years in terms of both solid financial performance and successful acquisitions. Also, DSI has successfully established its Mining product supply business.

“This acquisition is a further move in strengthening DSI’s market leadership for the supply of mining products and systems worldwide", commented Alan Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of DSI Mining America’s product supply business.

DSI are pleased to welcome MET-TECH within their Mining Business and are looking forward to also establish themselves successfully in the Central and South American mining market.

Idéaplast, which is headquartered in Champniers (Bordeaux), is a high quality manufacturer of plastic accessories (injection moulding) to the construction and automotive industry.

Founded in 1994, the company’s product range includes formwork spacers, form ties, safety items and automotive parts. Clients especially value its high level of production and technical expertise.

The acquisition of Idéaplast matches DSI´s growth strategy in the field of concrete accessories. It improves our market position in France and enhances buying power in injection moulding.

DSI is a global market leader in the development, manufacturing and distribution of systems and products for the construction and underground markets. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, DSI employs more than 2,000 employees worldwide in its operations across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.

Up to now, DSI´s division for Concrete Accessories includes the following companies: 

• Technique Béton – Chemical products
• Mandelli Setra – Formwork accessories
• Artéon Lifting Tools – Lifting tools
• Contec – Sealings and Foundation formworks
• DSI Haan – Formtie Systems
• TUBUS - Distributor

Idéaplast will operate as a production unit of Technique Béton, Moissy Cramayel, France. For DSI, the acquisition of Idéaplast is a further step towards expanding the group’s worldwide operational and strategic activities as a leading supplier of concrete accessories.

DSI warmly welcomes the Idéaplast employees to the worldwide DSI family.