There is also a new development in the European plastics pipe market: with effect from July 1, 1998, Akatherm Holding BV (NL-Valkanswaard) sold the firms Akatherm GmbH (PO Box 1109, D-67321 Speyer), Akatherm-Plast GmbH (D-09627 Freiberg), Akatherm-KMF BV (P.O. Box 7149, NL-5980 AC Panningen) and Intraco NV (B-Wilrijk) to Glynwed Pipe Systems Ltd. (High Street, Coleshill, GB-Birmingham B46 3BP). Glynwed will continue all these activities under the single name "Akatherm". The acquired companies manufacture plastics piping systems of PE and PP, primarily for the Benelux countries and Germany. Sales in 1997 amounted to approx. DEM 40m, and the total work force was 165.

Glynwed Pipe Systems (GPS) belongs to the British Group, Glynwed International PLC (De Montfort House, High Street, Coleshill, GB-Birmingham B46 3BP). GPS is involved worldwide in the production and sale of pipeline systems. With 3,500 employees, sales reached approx. DEM 1bn in 1997.