MILAN, Italy--The Mapei Group has acquired Sopro, a German manufacturer of adhesives and products for the installation of ceramic and natural stones, from Dyckerhoff AG Cement Group.

Sopro employs 400 people and has production units in Germany, Austria, Portugal, Poland, Russia, and Italy.

The acquisition has positioned Mapei as a leader in the German market, the biggest and most technologically advanced market for construction chemicals.

The acquisition will also provide a strong managing group, particularly efficient in Research and Development.

West LB Panmure Bank assisted the Mapei Group with the transaction.