In 1980, Pilkington acquired, for £113 million, 61 percent of Flachglas AG, the main flat glass manufacturer in West Germany, and 81 percent of its holding company, Dahlbusch. Flachglas brought operations in building product manufacture and in automotive glass. As a result of Flachglas's holdings in Brazil, both Providro and Blindex also became subsidiaries of Pilkington. In 1981, Pilkington increased its shareholding in Flachglas AG to 77 percent.