Cement Australia stake up for sale?

One of the two main shareholders of Cement Australia is reported to consider a potential sale of its 50 per cent stake, according to market sources.

The value of Cement Australia is being discussed at US$800m, according to reports in Business Spectator.

One theory suggests that Holcim could carry out the divestment ahead of plans to sell of its US$3bn Australia and New Zealand division to Adelaide Brighton in light of its merger with Lafarge. However, the deal would be subject to approval with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is expected to voice concerns.

The above option is only one of several floating around with a further one being that HeidelbergCement Australia could snap up the stake, but the German cement major is not in the strongest financial position to carry out such a purchase.