French SAINT-GOBAIN (turnover EUR 30.4 billion in 2001) has submitted a simplified takeover bid on the share capital of its subsidiary, LAPEYRE (woodwork and timber) that it does not yet own, i.e. 25.3%. SAINT-GOBAIN offers minority shareholders 62 euros per share, corresponding to a maximum total investment of EUR 345 million. Furthermore, its subsidiary, SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMIQUES, specialised in the manufacture of ceramics for the tap and textile industry, is on the point of selling the company, AVANCEES DESMARQUEST (annual turnover EUR 25 million), to the German group, CERAMTEC (METALLGESELLSCHAFT group).