Imerys recently acquired from Banpu a majority share in MRD-ECC, a joint venture between the two groups.

Imerys recently acquired from Banpu, a Thai leader in energy, a majority share in MRD-ECC, a joint venture between the two groups in which Banpu previously held a majority share. MRD-ECC has also acquired MRD from Banpu. MRD owns the Ranong kaolin deposits located in Ranong province (Thailand). MRD-ECC operates a processing plant in Lampang from which the company markets ball clays extracted by Banpu during its coal extraction. MRD extracts, processes and markets kaolin from its Ranong deposits. Industries served include the sanitaryware, fiberglass, tile and tableware markets of Thailand and Southeast Asia. For Banpu, this agreement is a further step in focusing on energy as its core business, and for Imerys, this demonstrates its commitment to developing a strong ceramics business in the fast growing market of Southeast Asia.

The company's website is located at www.imerys.com. http://www.imerys.com.