‘CRH notes the recent press speculation and confirms that it is in discussions with Lafarge and Holcim regarding the potential acquisition of certain assets being disposed of by Lafarge and Holcim in advance of their proposed merger.
While there can be no certainty that these discussions will result in a transaction, if an acquisition was to proceed, it is likely that it would be funded through a combination of existing cash balances, debt and an equity placing.
At this stage there can be no certainty that these discussions will lead to any transaction.
A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.’
Optimisation 2020 provides a unique online forum for cement industry professionals to hear first-hand from experts through a series of exclusive presentations from cement producers and industry experts.
World Cement Editor, David Bizley, sat down with Michael Tay, Advanced Analytics Product Manager at Rockwell Automation to discuss his recent article in World Cement.
Entitled ‘Smooth Sailing’, this article explains how machine learning can help save energy, reduce downtime and predict equipment failures, thus enabling the smooth running of cement plant operations.
Lafarge has extended the closing date for the MTO applicable to minority shareholders of Ashaka Cement in Nigeria, and is reportedly buying back a <15% stake in Lafarge India.
Bloomberg has reported that CRH and groups led by Blackstone Group LP (BX) and CVC Capital Partners Ltd may be among those who have placed bids for the assets proposed for divestment by Lafarge and Holcim.
Both UltraTech and Sabanci have reportedly backed out of the binding bids for the assets of Lafarge and Holcim being divested as part of their mega merger.
