Tarkett Establishing Distribution Firm in Shanghai

Paris, France, April 20, 2011 -- Tarkett said it is accelerating its development in China through the creation of a joint venture in Hong Kong with 70% ownership.

Tarkett said it's establishing a distribution company in Shanghai to accelerate sales in China.

“Tarkett already has an excellent brand reputation in flooring for the health and education sectors in China and a strong growth potential,” said CEO Michel Giannuzzi.

The goal for the Shanghai distribution is revenues of $44 million within three years. Tarkett said it has plans to develop regional sales teams to cover all of China.

Currently, Tarkett sales in China are primarily in vinyl resilient flooring.

Tarkett is also pursuing its development strategy in emerging countries. In 2002, it began its expansion in Eastern Europe with the acquisition of Sintelon in Serbia. In 2009, Tarkett acquired Fademac, the resilient flooring market leader in Brazil, in order to develop in South America.

In 2010, the sales in emerging countries increased by 24%, representing 34% of the Tarkett’s consolidated revenues.