This morning Europe’s two biggest cement producers, Lafarge and Holcim, announced plans to merge after gaining approval from their Board of Directors and the support of their core shareholders. The building materials manufacturers have outlined their intention to form a ‘merger of equals’ under the name LafargeHolcim. The merger would lead to incremental synergies of around €1.4 billion (on a full run-rate basis phased in over three years, with one third in year one). This includes €200 million in financial savings, €200 million in capital expenditure optimisation and €1 billion at EBITDA level through best practice, scale and cross-utilisation of innovative products and solutions.
Some key facts about the two groups and their merger plans are outlined in the infographic below.
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The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in 1H15.
You can read more about Lafarge and Holcim’s merger plans here, and take a look at analysts' views on the deal here.
Edited from various sources by Louise Fordham