Italian cement maker Buzzi Unicem is studying small acquisitions in eastern Europe, deputy president, Franco Buzzi ,said. The company is also interested in expansion to the Mediterranean region and particularly to Algeria, provided the country makes moves to open its state-dominated economy to privatisation, Franco Buzzi added.

Asked about Buzzi Unicem’s medium-term financial targets, Franco Buzzi said the group aimed at an increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin registered in Germany, the United States and Mexico. However, the company expects a decrease in its economic margins in Italy, hit by the too high energy prices, Franco Buzzi added.