CRH in Lafarge Holcim asset talks

723 CRH has confirmed it is in talks with 725 Lafarge and 680 Holcim over the possible acquisition of some assets from the soon to merge French and Swiss cement giants.

A company spokesperson said: “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.”

The CRH spokesperson said a further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.

The now 1022 European Commission approved merger of Lafarge and Holcim will, on its completion, create the world’s biggest cement manufacturer, with annual revenues of around €39 billion.