Lafarge-Holcim merger gets CCI approval

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has cleared the proposed merger of Lafarge and Holcim, which will create the world’s largest cement company by manufacturing capacity and sales.

The companies have agreed a package of divestments with the CCI which includes Sonadih cement plant in Chhattisgarh and Jojobera grinding station in Jharkhand with a total of approximately 5 million tonnes annual cement capacity.

A statement from Holcim said, “India is an important market for the future LafargeHolcim Group with a balanced portfolio in cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete. The combined Group will have a cement capacity of around 68 million tonnes in India.”

“The divestment process will be carried out in the framework of the relevant social processes and ongoing dialogue with the employee representatives’ bodies. The divestment process will be completed subject to the closing of the merger between Lafarge and Holcim,” the statement adds.

The closing of the planned merger is expected in July this year.

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