Vinci are leading asphalt producer in western Europe

French firm Vinci are thought to be the largest asphalt company in western Europe, although they do not appear to be market leaders in any single country. They do, however, have a major presence  in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain and Spain, with an estimated 7% share in the 17 countries that spread from Ireland and Portugal in the west, to the Czech Republic and Poland in the east, including Scandinavia. This is one of the conclusions of a major new survey published by BDS Marketing Research Ltd.

BDS estimate that Bouygues are the second largest asphalt company in these countries, followed by Basalt Ag, Tarmac and Strabag. These top five companies are estimated to have nearly 25% of the European asphalt market.

The new 180-page report assesses the market for asphalt in each of the 17 countries. The main acquisitions and market changes since 2000 are highlighted, and estimates of company market shares, together with a three year forecast for each country and product, are also included.

According to BDS, these 17 countries now produce 280 million tonnes of asphalt a year. There has been a steady increase in the market since 2000, with only a slight decline in 2002 preventing five years of continuous growth. Average annual European growth since 2000 hasbeen 1%, although this hides significant country variations.

While Germany continues as the largest single market, production dropped from 65 million tonnes in 2000 to 50 million tonnes in 2005, a fall averaging 5% a year. Over the same period, the markets in Spain, Finland and Austria increased by more than 5% a year.

BDS expect the market to continue to increase, although prospects will vary between individual countries. The main growth is likely to be in Poland followed by Spain. The market is also expected to increase in Germany, Italy, Portugal and Norway, and to be more subdued in other European countries.

Meanwhile, closer to home, CRH and Lagan are now believed to be the leading asphalt producers in Ireland, representing around 60% of the market. This is the headline conclusion of another new report recently published by BDS for the first time on this sector.

BDS say they have identified a total of 26 companies producing asphalt in Ireland, operating more than 50 plants, and they estimate that the top 10 companies represent around 85% of the market.

For further details about the European and/or Irish reports contact www.bdsmarketing.co.uk