Company looks to accelerate growth in Europe with further bolt-on acquisitions in key areas
LAFARGEHOLCIM have announced the acquisition of Edile Commerciale, based in Varese, northern Italy, and the signing of binding agreements with CEMEX for 24 ready-mixed concrete plants and one aggregates quarry in the Rhone Alpes region of south-east France.
With a combined total of 35 ready-mixed concrete plants, LafargeHolcim say these operations will strengthen their position in two of the most dynamic and attractive areas in Europe, with strong demographic trends and key infrastructure projects.
Chief executive officer Jan Jenisch (pictured) said: ‘I am excited about the growth prospects ahead with Edile Commerciale and CEMEX Rhone Alpes. These two acquisitions are a perfect fit for our growth strategy, adding to eight other bolt-ons we closed in 2020.
‘They confirm our ambition to revitalize leading cities like Milan and Lyon, and our vision to support Europe to become a net-zero region by 2050. To be a key partner on this journey we launched ECOPact green concrete last year and I am committed to ensuring its high-pace roll-out worldwide.
‘This year we have a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to sustainable construction with an unprecedented wave of government stimulus packages focusing on infrastructure, with Europe at the forefront. I look forward to being part of the green recovery to build a net-zero future.’
ECOPact is said to be the industry’s broadest range of green concrete, with a reduced CO2 footprint and recycled content. First launched in Germany in 2020, ECOPact broke new ground in sustainable building by enabling the construction of a carbon-neutral nature conservation centre in Bingen.
ECOPact has now been adopted across 12 markets worldwide, with Europe leading the way and with broad adoption across Germany, France, Italy, the UK, Poland and Switzerland.
Advancing their ‘Building for Growth’ strategy, LafargeHolcim completed eight bolt-on acquisitions in 2020 in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and Switzerland. The company says it anticipates further bolt-ons in 2021, accelerated by the development of its Solutions & Products segment.
