EuroWire January 2007

corporate news

Largest deal yet for Nexans

And theWCMA’s top award goes to . . .

Nexans is doubling its presence in the Asia-Pacific area by buying out Australian company Olex for A$515m (€310 million). The purchase of Olex – the cable industry leader in the Australasia region – is the largest deal yet by Nexans. Olex employs 910 people and has an annual revenue of €330 million from three manufacturing sites in Tottenham and Lilydale in Australia, and in New Plymouth, New Zealand. They also have a dozen sales offices in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and China. The company’s activities are divided between markets for cables for power network infrastructure (33%), speciality cables for industry such as mining (24%), and cables for the building sector, both energy and telecom (43%). “This acquisition is in line with our strategy to expand in the Asia- Pacific area, a fast-growing area, and strengthens the geographical rebalancing of our Group," said Gérard Hauser, Nexans’ Chairman and CEO.

This transaction is subject to the approval of the Australian authorities. Nexans Deutschland Industries GmbH & Co KG – Germany

The Wire & Cable Manufacturers’ Alliance (WCMA) has created a new industry award, in addition to its annual Distinguished Career Award. Through the new award – the Industry Leadership Award – WCMA will recognise an individual who clearly demonstrates a past, present, and future ability to lead a company and contribute significantly to the industry. George Graeber, former president and COO of Belden CDT, has been selected for the award. Mr Graeber, who has also received the organisation’s Charles Scott Distinguished Career Award, personifies an industry executive who has selflessly guided numerous careers while holding management and executive leadership posts at companies such as Brand Rex, Montrose, Manhattan Cable, Anixter, and Cable Design Technologies. He was also a moderator of the 2006 Executive Panel Session at the IWCS/Focus Conference and Exhibition. WCMA – Wire & Cable Manufacturers’ Alliance – USA Email : mrcdm@snet.net

Fax : +49 511 676 3777 Email : info@nexans.com Website : www.nexans.de

Three more join up for Fastener Tech 07 Three more groups are now on board for Fastener Tech™ ’07 to be held 25-28 th June in Rosemont, Chicago. Billed as the ‘All Fastener Industry Event in the Heart of Fastener Industry’, the exhibition will provide educational value for fastener manufacturers, distributors and users. New to the show is the ASM Heat Treating Society, the Chicago Metal Finishers Institute (CMFI) and Distributor’s Link magazine. Fastener Tech™ ’07 – USA Fax : +1 330 864 5298 Email : info@fastenertech.com Website : www.fastenertech.com

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EuroWire – January 2007