us slide show for dyesol , page-28

Thanks Karakot

And thanks for asking about Pilkington (which is now part of Nippon Sheet Glass by the way).

Pilkington - it is true that Pilkington is (was) one of the global glass majors (along with St Gobain and Asahi and others) however its financial record over a long period of time was "patchy" and eventually it was forced into the clutches of Nippon Sheet Glass who gradually raised its stake over time until a full bid was launched. Pilkington was a UK company and I think we are all familiar with the record of UK manufacturing enterprises relative to say those in Germany and Japan. Essentially over time I think Pilkington started to slip behind the others (operationally and technically) and fell into the Japanese clutches. Not so disimilar to many western manufacturing industries. Indeed Jaded mentioned Corus which was the old british steel and eventually ended up in Indian hands.

Anyway, they have fallen into the clutches of Nippon Sheet Glass which itself is an inferior version of its big rival Asahi Glass. Once again if you look at the financial record of Nippon SG over time you will find the same pattern as with Pilkington, patchy. The 2 companies have attracted each other because of their relative positions in the pecking order.

It is not to say that they cannot be a good partner but that their history is not one that would set you on fire like maybe a Corning or Asahi Glass might. On top of this I have had some direct feedback which confirms the above general commentary. So in essence the impression I have formed is of a company that whilst competant wouldnt be your first choice of partner.

Lord