Brazilian industrial conglomerate Votorantim, Italian diversified holding
company Caltagirone and Irish industrial and trade group CRH which were
shortlisted for the acquisition of the 41.6 per cent stake in Portugal’s cement
producer Secil. All are pressing Secil’s owner, the Portuguese cement group
Semapa, to sell a larger stake, it was reported on January 23, 2004.
Votorantim, Caltagirone and CRH already presented their bids and are
undergoing direct negotiations with the owner. Votorantim and Caltagirone could seek the complete takeover of Secil, while CRH is said to want 50 pct.
