WATT Wt Batterymetal

RNS No 7006b
WATTS BLAKE BEARNE & CO PLC
15th December 1997


WATTS BLAKE BEARNE & CO PLC

Leading international producer of ceramic raw materials
announces the #10 million acquisition of a quarry and
extensive mining rights in Germany

Watts Blake Bearne & Co PLC ("WBB"), the leading
international ball clay producer, announces that its
principal German subsidiary, Fuchs'sche Tongruben GmbH
("Fuchs"), has concluded an agreement with Keramchemie
GmbH ("KCH") for the purchase of the following assets,
situated in the Westerwald region of Germany:

-   The existing Unnerwald quarry operated by KCH
-   The right to extract minerals in the Berggarten
    concession until 2057

Both sites contain extensive deposits of high-quality,
fine ceramic clays (also knows as "ball" or "plastic"
clays) and represent a substantial addition to Fuchs'
total reserves of this mineral.  The agreement also
provides for the transfer of certain plant and equipment,
including grinding facilities, and will take effect on 31
December 1997.

The agreed purchase price for the assets (Sterling
equivalent as at 12 December) is GBP 10.239 million in
cash, one half of which is payable immediately.  The
balance is due at the end of 1998.  In addition, Fuchs
have agreed to undertake certain obligations for
restoration and recultivation of parts of the Unnerwald
site which would otherwise be the responsibility of KCH.
Fuchs will also take over 11 current Unnerwald quarry
staff.

Based on recent drilling, reserves of fine ceramic clays
at the two sites exceed 10 million tonnes.  The Unnerwald
quarry will make an immediate contribution to Group
income, with an expected extraction rate of 120,000
tonnes per annum, sustainable in the medium term.

Dr Graham Lawson, Group Chief Executive, said today "This
acquisition represents an important strategic addition to
our operations and reserves in German.  Purchase of the
Berggarten concession secures the ability of Fuchs to
supply clays of the highest quality for the long term, in
a situation where the number of accessible deposits of
this calibre is diminishing.  I am also confident that
the Unnerwald quarry and its employees will be integrated
quickly into our existing operation, to make a valuable
contribution over the next few years, until Berggarten
comes on stream."

For further information please contact:

Dr Graham Lawson (Group Chief Executive)
Watts Blake Bearne & Co PLC
Park House, Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot TQ12 4PS
Tel:  01626 332345            Fax:  01626 332342

or in Germany:

Herr Gerhard Hillebrand (Geschaftsfuhrer-Designate)
Fuchs'sche Tongruben GmbH & Co KG, Postfach 347, D-56223
Ransbach-Baumbach 1
Tel:  00 49 2623 830          Fax:  00 49 2623 8351


Additional information about WBB Group and its products
may be obtained from:

Mr Steve Carreck (Publicity Manager)
Watts Blake Bearne & Co PLC
Park House, Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot TQ12 4PS
Tel:  01626 332345            Fax:  01626 332344

or via the Group's web site:  www.wbb.co.uk


END

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