Flooring, adhesives and belting specialist Forbo (Baar / Switzerland; www.forbo.com) is to acquire Bonar Floors, the flooring division of specialist materials group Low & Bonar (London / UK; www.lowandbonar.com) for GBP 123m (EUR 156m). Forbo said the acquisition will complement its portfolio of linoleum and vinyl flooring solutions. With sales of approximately CHF 230m (EUR 141m), Bonar Floors focuses on commercial flooring applications, and has seven production facilities in Europe.

“With this step, Forbo Flooring Systems will expand its global presence and significantly strengthen its position as a flooring systems provider in all commercial market segments,” commented Forbo CEO This Schneider. Low & Bonar said the disposal will enable it to focus on the fast-growing and high-margin technical textiles market. The transaction is expected to close by the end of October 2008.