Tarkett Adding Distribution Center in Ukraine

Frankenthal, Germany, December 21, 2005--Tarkett AG Group has started building a distribution center in Kalush (Ivano-Frankivsk region). The construction project is estimated at EUR 2.5 million, according to Interfax News Agency. The center will be engaged in wholesale trade in flooring products, Chairman of Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Administration Roman Tkach told Interfax-Ukraine. As he put it, Tarkett is a founder of Serbian-based Sintelon, which in turn is a founder of Kalush-based Vinisin Ltd., which produces tufting carpeting and linoleum. "A month ago I returned from Belgrade where we met with a trade representative office. The regional administration is currently working with them on arranging Tarkett parquet flooring production in Kalush as well," Tkach said. Today, the Tarkett Group is an innovative and global company, present in more than 50 countries and operating 26 production centers in 10 countries, 16 in Europe alone. With a global workforce of approximately 7,000 employees, Tarkett produces 238 million square metres of floor and wall coverings every year. From January to September 2005 the Group saw a 10% rise in net sales to EUR 1.159 billion, its net profit hit EUR 51.5 million. In Ukraine the Tarkett AG Group has a 50% stake in Tarkett UA, 50% - in Tarkett Ukraine and Balkans, as well as 25.46% - in Vinisin Ltd.