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Jean-Louis Beffa, the departing head of Saint-Gobain, has confirmed that the group will continue to restructure by hinting the high-performance materials division is non-strategic. This division, which comprises ceramics, plastics and abrasives, had EUR 4.9bn in sales, according to the company’s books.

Speaking at the group’s AGM, Beffa said ”it is true these businesses are not turned enough towards construction. A reconfiguration of the sector is completely imaginable.” He added the new CEO, Pierre-Andre de Chalendar, would think about the future of that division and may announce a decision as soon as next July, at the presentation of the group’s half year results.

Beffa was replying to a question from a shareholder, who said the high-performance materials division had low profitability and wondered if it should be divested

Saint Gobain has decided to focus from now on on the high-growth construction business.

Beffa also confirmed the packaging business (EUR 3.4bn in sales) was earmarked for sale. He was quoted by a wire service as saying after the meeting the sale would take place sooner rather than later. On the other hand, Pierre-Andre de Chalendar said during the meeting that he would give priority to ”a good execution over timing.” He also said the packaging business valuation was increasing so ”he was not in a hurry” but that the divestiture would be done.

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