Disposal

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain
01 July 2003

                               Press Release

         Saint-Gobain Abrasives sold its Diamond Winter Stone Division


In the context of its development within the high-growth diamond-tool market,
Wheelabrator- Allevard, a division of WENDEL Investissement, has purchased
Saint-Gobain's 'Diamond Winter' Stone division, effective July 1, 2003.


With activity in 8 countries comprising over 400 employees (who will be
transferred to Wheelabrator) and a 41 million euro turnover in 2002, Diamond
Winter's stone division is one of the major global players in the diamond-tool
market for cutting natural stone, particularly granite.


Having purchased Italy's Arcofil and Germany's Eiche in 2002,
Wheelabrator-Allevard's worldwide presence in this market will triple with the
Diamond Winter acquisition, bringing its diamond-tool activity to 25% of its
approximately 300 million euro consolidated turnover.


The development of Wheelabrator-Allevard's diamond-tool division will also
strengthen it's historic position in steel abrasives where, with 45% of the
market, it is the number-one world leader in stone extraction and
transformation.


Saint-Gobain Abrasives thus yields 2% of its turnover and continues its
development in other markets, where it holds the position of global leader:
industry, distribution and construction, thus reinforcing each of its areas of
expertise: coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, thin wheels, superabrasives for
industry and construction.


Wheelabrator-Allevard has two main activities: steel abrasive and diamond tools.

The Group is a worldwide leader in steel abrasive which is an industrial
abrasive composed of steel beads, mainly used for the cleaning of metallic
parts, for surface treatment and for the sawing granite. Wheelabrator-Allevard
manufactures diamond tools used in the sawing of granite, marble and concrete.


The Group employs 1.390 persons on 15 production sites and has 40% of the world
market share. The Group's industrial presence is worldwide, and its sales are
operated in more than 100 countries.


June 1st, 2003.
                                                   Investor Relations Department

Ms Florence TRIOU-TEIXEIRA  Tel: [phone] - mailto:[e-mail]
M. Alexandre ETUY           Tel: [phone] - mailto:[e-mail]
                            Fax : [phone]




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