Saint-Gobain, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of building materials, has entered into an agreement with Bekaert, a metal transformation- and coatings-based product provider, to acquire Bekaert's Specialty Films business.
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics will take over the Bekaert's specialty films business that is operating under the name Solar Gard Specialty Films. The acquisition includes production facilities in Suzhou, China; Zulte, Belgium; and San Diego, US, as well as current operations under development in China and all service and sales centers globally.
Solar Gard specializes in the development, production and distribution of specialty films for applications in custom coating, photovoltaic, architectural and automotive sectors. The unit produces solar control window films to decrease energy consumption, security films to prevent window breakage caused during storms and blasts and tinted films to guarantee privacy.
In 2001, Bekaert purchased the specialty films business and the management has contributed to the successful growth of the business. Solar Gard’s future growth can be established within the Saint-Gobain group through major product and market synergies.
The transaction enables Saint-Gobain to reinforce Solar Gard’s leadership position, especially in the energy and architectural markets. Both the companies are dedicated to developing a more sustainable future via energy-efficient solutions and products for professionals and societies across the globe.