Joint Venture in Japan

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain
18 December 2002



press

release


Saint-Gobain Sekurit to sign a joint-venture agreement with Central Glass in the
                       sale of automotive glass in Japan



Following the successful marketing alliance established in April 2002 by
Saint-Gobain Sekurit and Central Glass in the automotive glass business, both
companies have concluded an agreement to establish a joint company to market and
sell automotive glass on the Japanese market. Saint-Gobain Sekurit will hold 35%
of the new company (Central Saint-Gobain Co., Ltd), which is scheduled to start
operations in January 2003 with its head office in Japan.

The joint operation aims to capitalize on the partners' respective resources to
create a more comprehensive global network, in a way that meets the aims of both
Saint-Gobain Sekurit and Central Glass to strengthen their service capabilities
and relationships with Japanese vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Saint-Gobain's
network extends from its European center to countries including Brazil, Mexico,
Thailand, South Korea, and China, whereas Central Glass has operations in Japan,
the United States, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Through Central Saint-Gobain Co., Ltd., Saint-Gobain Sekurit and Central Glass
expect to further enhance their competitiveness in the global market through the
sales and technical support supplied by both companies.



December 18th, 2002

                         Investor Relations Department

        Tel. : Florence TRIOU-TEIXEIRA     [phone] - mailto :
                        [e-mail]

Tel. : Claire MOSES  [phone] - mailto : [e-mail]


                              Fax : [phone]



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