| The company is a diversified Mexican industrial company which conducts its business in three segments: steel processing products, automotive batteries and related products and construction and related products. In 1995 and the first six months of 1996, the company had consolidated net sales of Ps 7,229 million ($953 million) and Ps 3,775 ($497 million), respectively, and operating income of Ps 641 million ($85 million) and Ps 587 million ($77 million), respectively. Historically, Mexico has been the principal market for the company's products. The company has also expanded internationally by increasing exports as well as by adding manufacturing facilities in South America and the United States. Foreign company and exports sales accounted for approximately 49% and 42% of the company's consolidated net sales in 1995 and in the first six months of 1996, respectively. Over the past decade, the company has grown through a series of strategic investments, including acquisitions, internal expansion, joint ventures and other strategic initiatives aimed at expanding and diversifying the company's products and markets. |