Xella acquired URSA in 2017. Supported by Xella leadership, URSA has achieved impressive product, operational and financial developments over the past five years, becoming a European leader in extruded polystyrene (XPS), and featuring among the top three producers for glass mineral wool. URSA’s strategy for the coming years is now well developed, underpinned by a promising market context linked to CO2 emission reduction targets in the building industry and the societal need to increase energy efficiency through renovation and insulation of buildings and homes.

Christophe Clemente, CEO of Xella, comments: “With Etex, URSA has a strong shareholder willing to continue the success story. I would like to warmly thank all of the URSA team for what they have achieved during their time with Xella Group and wish them a great and successful future. With this portfolio simplification, Xella achieves a strategic step to focus its resources on the development of our building materials solutions to achieve sustainability, efficiency and affordability for its various customers.”

Bernard Delvaux, CEO of Etex, adds: “The acquisition of URSA confirms the portfolio shift initiated a few years ago by Etex to become a global leader in lightweight and modular construction. This acquisition is a strategic fit for Etex, combining a new growth platform with a strong focus on sustainability. I have been truly impressed by both the quality of management at URSA and its sound business model. I look forward to welcoming our new teammates to Etex and embarking on a prosperous future together.”

This latest acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.

About Xella Group

The Xella Group stands for innovative, safe, and sustainable building and insulation materials and offers solutions for energy-efficient, healthy, and cost-optimized construction. With sales of 1.5 billion euros, 95 plants and over 7,000 employees, Xella is one of the leading international solution providers in the field of building and insulation materials. Xella is the parent company of such well-known brands as Ytong, Silka, Hebel, Multipor, and URSA, and is one of the pioneers in digitally supported construction processes with its digital planning service blue.sprint.
For more information on Xella Group, visit: www.xella.com

Contact Xella International GmbH

Cécile Fages
Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer
Düsseldorfer Landstraße 395
47259 Duisburg
Germany

Mobile: +49 (0)160 99055 743
Email: cecile.fages@xella.com

About Etex

Etex is a global building material manufacturer and pioneer in lightweight construction. Etex wants to inspire people around the world to build living spaces that are ever more safe, sustainable, smart and beautiful. Founded in 1905, headquartered in Zaventem, Belgium, Etex is a family-owned company with more than 11,000 employees globally. It operates more than 110 production sites in 42 countries and recorded a revenue of EUR 2.6 billion and a REBITDA of EUR 484 million in 2020. Etex fosters a collaborative and caring culture, a pioneering spirit and a passion to always do better for its customers.

Etex has six R&D centres supporting four global sales divisions:

• Building Performance: dry construction solutions including plasterboards and fibre cement boards, plasters and formulated products, passive fire protection and associated products.
• Exteriors: a range of aesthetic fibre cement materials for use in agriculture, architectural and residential exteriors.
• Industry: fire protection and high-performance insulation products for the construction and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) industries.
• New Ways: high-tech offsite modular solutions based on wood and steel framing

Etex is Inspiring Ways of Living, for more information, please visit our website: www.etexgroup.com