DYWIDAG-Systems International acquires Galaxy Group from the French Build Up PE Firm INDUSTRIES & FINANCES

DYWIDAG-Systems International GmbH (DSI) is pleased to announce that DSI has acquired Galaxy SA with its subsidiaries Technique Béton SAS and Mandelli-Sétra SAS on May, 18th 2006.

The Galaxy Group is a leading manufacturer and distributor of formwork accessories, special mortars, lifting and fastening tools in construction industry. The Galaxy Group has a strong market position in France by providing a full range of concrete consumables and a unique strong sales force.

The Galaxy holding company was formed in 2002 by Industries & Finances to create, through a buy and build-up strategy, a market leader in the manufacture and distribution of accessories and consumables in the French concrete and building sector.

Through Galaxy, Industries & Finances has successively acquired Mandelli'Setra, the French concrete casing plastic accessories specialist in 2002 in a secondary buy-out from a French PE firm, and Technique Béton, the French building chemical specialist in 2004 from the Germany-headquartered Knauf Group.

With headquarters in Moissy Cramayel (Technique Béton) and in Troyes (Mandelli-Sétra), the Galaxy Group has 15 regional branches and about 150 employees to provide their products and technical support service to the customers. The company´s net sales in 2005 were " 35 million.

DSI is the global market leader in the development, production and application of post-tensioning, geotechnical and mining supply systems. Headquartered in Germany, DSI has over 1,300 employees worldwide with operations across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.

DSI has made strong progress over the past few years with solid financial performance and successful acquisitions.

Since September 2005 DSI belongs to the PE firm Industri Kapital.  

Managers Mr. Le Bruchec of Technique Béton and Mr. Soulas of Mandelli-Setra will stay with the business: "We look forward to becoming a part of DSI Group and to continue to grow and expand our business in France and in Europe by using resources of the DSI Group".