Vitro Enters the European Markets Through Acquisition of Cristalglass Vidrio Aislante in Spain.

Business Editors

GARZA GARCIA, N.L., Mexico--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2001

Vitro, S.A. de C.V. (BMV:VITROA; NYSE:VTO) today announced that, in line with the Company's strategic plan to selectively invest in its core businesses, to increase growth and diversify geographic coverage, Vitro

Cristalglass fabricates, distributes and sells flat glass for the construction industry. The company employs over 300 people and has an estimated 30 percent share of the Spanish markets where it has presence. Annual sales are close to US$60 million.

Cristalglass has three fabrication facilities located in the cities of Camponaraya and Villadecanes, in the province of Leon, and in Fuenlabrada, in the outskirts of Madrid, as well as two distribution centers in the cities of La Coruna and Valencia.

Federico Sada G., Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Vitro, commented: "This acquisition is in line with our strategic plan to selectively invest in our core businesses, Flat Glass, Acros Whirlpool and Crisa, to further and diversify our growth. At the same time, through this acquisition Grupo Vitro takes an important step toward establishing a position in the European market from which to grow and diversify".

Jose Domene, Chief Executive Officer of Flat Glass, emphasized that the acquisition is in line with the expectation of growth and diversification in the lines of value-added products of Flat Glass. This will allow the Company to achieve important synergies, benefit from the existing production facilities in Mexico and penetrate the European market. Through this operation, Flat Glass is expected to increase annual sales by 5 percent and will represent 37 percent of the Company consolidated sales by year-end.

A significant percentage of Cristalglass' sales are of glass "duo vent", which is used for thermal and acoustic insulation, solar protection, and security glass in buildings and houses. Cristalglass serves the Spanish, Portuguese and French markets.

The transaction is expected to close by April 30, and is subject to certain closing conditions which are common for this type of operations.

Vitro, S.A. de C.V., through its subsidiary companies, is a major participant in five distinct businesses: flat glass, glass containers, household products, glassware and diverse industries. Vitro's subsidiaries serve multiple product markets, including construction and automotive glass, wine, liquor, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food and beverage glass containers, household appliances, fiberglass, plastic and aluminum containers, and glassware for commercial, industrial and consumer uses.

Founded in 1909, Monterrey, Mexico-based Vitro has joint ventures with eleven major world-class manufacturers that provide its subsidiaries with access to international markets, distribution channels and state-of-the-art technology. Vitro's subsidiaries do business throughout the Americas, with facilities and distribution centers in seven countries, and export products to more than 70 countries. Additional information can be found at: http://www.vto.com.