European Commission clears Holcim’s acquisition of Cemex West in Germany

Holcim has received unconditional clearance by the European Commission for its proposed acquisition of Cemex West in Germany. The decision follows a detailed Phase II review by the European Commission.

The acquisition in Germany is part of the strategic portfolio optimisation in Europe that includes a series of transactions together with Cemex and is separate from Holcim's intention to merge with Lafarge. In the Czech Republic, the proposed acquisition of Holcim Cesko by Cemex was cleared by the local competition authorities in March 2014. In Spain, Cemex and Holcim propose to combine their operations in cement, ready-mix concrete and aggregates. Holcim would hold a shareholding of 25% of the combined entity. Regulatory approval by the European Commission for the transaction in Spain is still pending.

The decision marks a further milestone towards the optimisation of Holcim’s strategic portfolio in Europe, which was announced last year. It will allow Holcim to create value through an optimised footprint in northwestern Germany. The transaction includes a cement plant, two grinding stations (total cement capacity of 2.5 million t), one slag granulator, 22 aggregates locations and 79 ready-mix concrete plants. They would be combined with Holcim’s existing operations in Northern Germany.

The transactions are expected to close in 2H14.

Adapted from Holcim press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/05062014/european_comission_clears_holcim_cemex_west_deal_312/