The acquisition of Optimera Gruppen will allow Saint-Gobain access to trade markets in Norway and Sweden.

Saint-Gobain's building distribution sector has acquired Norwegian-based distributor of building materials Optimera Gruppen.

This acquisition enables Saint-Gobain's Building Distribution Sector to enter the general trade market in Norway and Sweden.

Optimera Gruppen reported sales of £342m in 2004. Its commercial network is made up of 95 branches, 81 in Norway and 14 in Sweden. The group currently employs over 1,400 people.

The completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of the relevant competition authorities.