Continuing on the track it chose in 2006, when it decided to focus on multi-layer composite and PEXa pipe technologies in the building sector, Finnish pipe manufacturer Uponor (Vantaa; www.uponor.com) on 24 January signed a contract selling all its shares in subsidiary Hewing (Ochtrup / Germany; www.hewing.de) to Dutch heating technology provider Rettig ICC (Maastricht; www.rettigicc.com). Valued at EUR 11.9m, the deal is to take effect retroactively from 1 January 2012, pending approval from the competition authorities. Uponor said it expects to receive the final okay by March or April this year.

Hewing’s 230 employees generated sales of nearly EUR 50m in 2010. The German company, which specialises in the production of PEXa plastic pipes, is to maintain its own structure upon integration into Rettig ICC. The acquisition allows the Maastricht-based group – itself a subsidiary of Finland’s Rettig Group (Helsinki; www.rettig.fi) – to expand its international floor heating business.