Bloomberg are reporting that LafargeHolcim Chief Executive Officer Eric Olsen has said that the company is attracting strong interest for capacity it has been forced to sell in India following its merger.
LafargeHolcim now has to divest 11 million t of capacity, or one sixth of its total in India.
“We see a wide range of interest, both financial and strategic,” Olsen said. “We expect to get a very attractive price overall.”
India offers growth in demand for construction materials not seen in some other emerging markets. However LafargeHolcim has ended up having to sell almost double the capacity initially anticipated for antitrust reasons.
At the same time as selling assets in India and working through integration of the former French and Swiss rivals, LafargeHolcim is facing a slowdown in markets from China to Brazil and upheaval within the ranks of top management.
Lafarge and Holcim reorganisation project launched in preparation for merger, with the aim of creating a ‘lean organisation with empowered countries, regional management platforms, and group functions for the combined company’.
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.
Lafarge has exceeded its targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions a year ahead of schedule, and is continuing with the development of sustainable products and solutions.