Nov 21, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. Sonae Industria announces the conclusion of a joint-venture agreement with Tarkett AG to produce and sell laminate floorings in Western Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Each party holds 50% of this joint-venture which comprises of a Sonae Industria panel production plant in Eiweiler (Germany), to be expanded to produce laminate floorings. Both companies will operate together in the above mentioned laminate floorings markets, using Sonae Industria's know-how within the panel industry and Tarkett’s within the flooring industry. This joint venture operation is subject to the clearance from the European Commission pursuant merger control. SONAE was founded in 1959 at the site of its present location in Maia. Its first activity was the production of high pressure decorative laminates.