August 30, 2026 09:22

Austrotherm, the Austrian manufacturer of expanded polystyrene insulation solutions, has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire Etex’s European extruded polystyrene (XPS) activities, currently operated under the Ursa brand.

The transaction covers four sites: Bondeno in Italy, El Pla in Spain, Queis in Germany and Saint-Avold in France. The plants became part of Etex in 2022 following its acquisition of Ursa from the Xella Group, together with the related commercial activities in several countries across Western and Central Europe.

The Ursa brand itself is not included in the deal, except for a limited transition period.

Through the transaction, which remains subject to customary approvals and conditions, including regulatory clearances, Etex intends to further focus its insulation business on glass wool while simplifying and streamlining its industrial footprint.
At the El Pla and Saint-Avold sites, where both materials are currently produced, the Belgian group will retain its glass wool activities.

For Austrotherm, XPS is a core technology and a strategic growth area. If completed, the acquisition would allow the Austrian producer to expand its industrial network and strengthen its presence in Germany, Italy, France and Spain, while extending its commercial coverage across Western Europe.

Until the transaction is completed, if at all, Etex will continue to operate its XPS activities independently of Austrotherm.

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