Pierre, Al-Manhal sign deal

RIYADH, 3 August  — France’s potable water giant Pierre group signed an agreement in Paris on Wednesday with Al-Manhal, purchasing 51 percent of the Saudi company. Economic analysts said the deal would strengthen the French company’s position in the Middle East and increase its annual sales in the region to 100 million euros. The French firm’s executive president said the deal was in line with Pierre’s strategy to supply bottled water to a large number of companies and homes around the world.