Suez Cement Company offers to buy 47 per cent of Hilal Cement Company from Boodai Entreprises Company

Notes and media contacts

About Suez Cement Company:
With sales of $625 million in 2006, Suez Cement Company is Egypt's largest cement producer and is 55%- owned by Italcementi Group. Suez Cement Company currently operates through 5 plants with a total capacity of in excess of 12 million tons per year.

About Hilal Cement Company:
Established in 1984, Hilal Cement Company is a leading company engaged in the import and distribution of building materials, including cement, wood, and steel-related products. Hilal Cement Company is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange. For any questions, contact Yacoub Al Sharhan,
Tel: +965 461-3211,
fax: +965 461-3217

About GulfMerger:
Established in 2007, GulfMerger is an independent financial advisory firm, principally focused on middle-market mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships in the Middle East. For any questions, contact Yann Pavie: Tel: +965 232-2941, fax: +965 232-2995,
website: www.gulfmerger.com.

About Swicorp:
Founded in 1987, Swicorp is a corporate advisory and private equity group which provides a comprehensive range of financial advisory and private equity services to domestic and international businesses active in the MENA region. With twenty years of experience in mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance and private equity across the MENA region, Swicorp has established itself as one of the leading players in the MENA region's growing corporate advisory and private equity sectors. Swicorp's private equity activity comprises three private equity vehicles, Intaj Capital Ltd, Emerge Invest Ltd and Swicorp Joussour Company, with combined investor commitments totaling over US$ 1 billion, which are managed by Swicorp Group's Saudi and Tunisian affiliates. For any questions, contact Lubomir Todorov:
Tel: +41 22 737 3737,
fax: +41 22 737 3700
website: www.swicorp.com.