Bloomberg is reporting that representatives from Holcim and Lafarge are in talks with the European Union, in a bid to iron out any concerns over their merger prior to filing for approval.
Though details of the talks are not available, the aim is said to be to address EU issues early on and avoid an in-depth investigation that could considerably slow the process.
Europe was always considered the sticking point for the merger, which will create the world’s biggest cement manufacturer. Of the divestments announced in July to smooth the way for the deal, the majority were in Europe, including Austria, France, Germany and Romania.
Official notification of the merger to the EU has not yet been given, and looks to be pending the results of these talks.
Further to the decision at the beginning of this year that Lafarge must sell another of its UK cement plants, which was subsequently appealed by Lafarge, the Competition and Markets Authority has decided to wait and see how the Lafarge-Holcim merger pans out.
In line with their merger plans, Lafarge and Holcim have released details of the proposed assets for disposal in Brazil, including three integrated cement plants and two grinding plants.