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                          PRESS RELEASE



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                           CONTACT:

VALHI, INC.                                       STEVEN L. WATSON
THREE LINCOLN CENTRE                                   VICE PRESIDENT
5430 LBJ FREEWAY                                  (972) 233-1700
DALLAS, TEXAS 75240-2697                          (972) 239-0142 (FAX)



                VALHI ANNOUNCES REFINANCING OF LOANS RECEIVABLE

     Dallas, Texas . . . May 15, 1997 . . . Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI) announced
today that Snake River Sugar Company, an Oregon cooperative, has completed $100
million in term loan financing with third party lenders.  Proceeds of the loan
will be utilized to repay approximately $100 million of $192 million in debt
financing provided by Valhi in conjunction with the January 3, 1997 transfer of
control to Snake River of the refined sugar business previously conducted by The
Amalgamated Sugar Company, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Valhi.
Following the refinancing, Valhi loans to Snake River will be reduced to $87
million.

     Valhi is engaged in the chemicals, component products and waste management
industries.
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