VIENNA, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Austrian fireproof materials maker RHI is
considering several possible acquisitions with targets including producers of
the raw materials it needs, its chief executive was quoted as saying on Friday.
"We have several projects under consideration," RHI head Andreas Meier
told Austrian newspaper Der Standard. "A key area in this context is raw
materials -- not only magnesite and dolomite, but also bauxite and melting raw
materials.
"The other key area is production facilities in emerging markets -- in
the 'BRIC' and 'Next Eleven' countries," Meier said. BRIC stands for Brazil,
Russia, India and China, while Next Eleven is a label for a group of smaller
countries.
Meier also said he expected it was possible for RHI to pay a dividend
again for next year, after years in which the group rebuilt its balance sheet
following devastating asbestos-related damage claims.
"I think it's necessary that we have an equity ratio of 20 percent for
this," Meier said. "This should work out by the end of 2009, so that a dividend
for 2009 could be considered." The equity ratio stood at 11 percent by the end
of June.
(Reporting by Boris Groendahl; Editing by Erica Billingham) Keywords:
RHI/DIVIDEND
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