The Belgian chemical company TESSENDERLOO CHEMIE (consolidated turnover of EUR 1.818 billion in 2000 with more than 7,300 employees in more than 100 companies located in 21 countries) concluded an agreement covering the acquisition, by its British subsidiary DYKA UK, of all the shares in the company JOHN DAVIDSON PIPES LTD for an undisclosed amount. Major distributor of plastic pipes in the United Kingdom, JOHN DAVIDSON PIPES recorded a turnover of GBP 20 million in the financial year ending in March and employs 85 people. This take-over will enable the Belgian group to reinforce the activities of its "plastic processing" division, sector with a consolidated turnover of EUR 515 million in 2000.