Gypsum industry news

France: Saint-Gobain’s sales rose by 4.3% year-on-year to Euro21.7bn in the first half of 2019 from Euro20.8bn in the same period in 2018. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 8.4% to Euro2.42bn from Euro2.23bn. Growth was reported for its gypsum business in all territories apart from North America. Particular growth was noted in its Asia-Pacific region.

Switzerland: Sika’s net sales grew by 7.6% year-on-year to Euro3.38bn in the first half of 2019 from Euro3.14bn in the same period in 2018. Its operating earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 14.5% to Euro565m from Euro493m. The building chemicals producer noted that its takeover in the reporting period of Parex, a globally leading producer of facade mortar, technical mortar, tile adhesives, and waterproofing systems, was the largest acquisition in its history.