Wendel will subscribe to Saint-Gobain capital increase for 8. 3 million shares

The placement led by CALYON and Nomura International plc, was significantly oversubscribed. Following the settlement of the capital increase of Saint-Gobain (expected to be on March 23, 2009), Wendel will hold an 18,3 % stake of the capital and 17,8% of the voting rights of Saint-Gobain. Taking into account its potential double voting rights, Wendel could hold about 29% of the voting rights in 2010. This operation has no major impact either on Wendel’s liquidity or on its financial position.



About Wendel

Wendel is one of Europe’s leading investment firms. It invests in France and internationally, in companies that are leaders in their sectors, including Bureau Veritas, Legrand, Saint-Gobain, Materis, Deutsch, Stallergènes, Oranje-Nassau and Stahl, and in which it plays a hands-on role as an operational investor. It implements long-term development strategies, which involve boosting growth and margins of its companies, in order to enhance their leading market positions Wendel posted 2008 consolidated sales of E5.4 billion. Wendel is listed in Paris on Euronext.

Press Contacts :

Anne-Lise BAPST : + 33 (0) 1 42 85 63 24 - e-mail : al.bapst@wendelgroup.com

Anne-Emmanuelle DOGNON : + 33 (0) 1 42 85 91 27 - e-mail : ae.dognon@wendelgroup.com

Analysts and Investors Contacts :

Gérard LAMY tel : + 33 (0)1 42 85 63 75 - e-mail : g.lamy@wendelgroup.com

Olivier ALLOT tel: + 33 (0) 1 42 85 63 73 - e-mail : o.allot@wendelgroup.com