Forbo Acquiring U.K.'s Bonar Floors

Baar, Switzerland, July 28, 2008--Forbo is set to acquire Bonar Floors, the flooring division of Low & Bonar PLC, a London Stock Exchange listed company, for $244 million.

Bonar Floors is a major European flooring manufacturer in the contract flooring sector and will expand Forbo's commercial business.

Bonar Floors has over 30 years experience in commercial flooring applications for healthcare, education, offices and public transport and its products competed with Forbo's.

Bonar Floors sells Flotex, a flocked vinyl line, Coral and Nuway, for entrance zones, as well as Chocflex, a commercial acoustic vinyl.

Bonar also carries a portfolio of high end commercial carpet tiles, which will add a new element for Forbo.

Bonar has seven manufacturing facilities in Europe: one in France, one in the Netherlands and five in the United Kingdom. Its products are sold in over 40 countries.

Bonar reported net sales of approximately $222 million and employs more than 800 people.

The acquisition is subject to the approval of the Low & Bonar PLC shareholders and certain antitrust authorities in Europe. The transaction is expected to close by the end of October.