Sika is to acquire the global concrete admixtures and cement grinding aids businesses of Italcementi Group (directly or indirectly controlled by Italcementi or Ciments Français), which are on the market under the brand Axim.
Axim has approximately 150 employees and through six legal entities operates several production units and sales organisations in Italy, France, USA, Canada, Morocco and Spain. In 2010, Axim generated sales of around €61 million (CHF75 million).
Axim has a history of over 30 years in the market and offers a broad and innovative range of concrete admixtures, cement grinding aids and specialised chemicals that enhance the performance of cement and concrete, as well as improve cement production efficiency.
“This agreement will allow the Group to capitalise the value of this business. Moreover, this will further extend the relationship between Italcementi and Sika, enhancing the reputation of both companies as innovator in the field of concrete and cement,” stated Giovanni Ferrario, COO of Italcementi Group.
Ernst Baertschi CEO from Sika adds: “This acquisition is a major step for Sika in the process of expanding market shares in the admixture business worldwide”.