HeidelbergCement on path to consolidate Italian market

HeidelbergCement's acquisition of Cementir Italy via its Italcementi subsidiary will make HeidelbergCement the Italian leader with a combined market share of around 38 per cent, ahead of Buzzi Unicem with 22.5 per cent, according to CIM-CIC Market Solutions.

The research house also reports that the antitrust authority analysed the combined positions of the two entities (Italcementi and Cementir Italia) in eight commercial regions: Arquata (AL), Cagnano, Maddaloni, Spoletto, Tarante, Tarvenola, Testi Greve (Chianti) & Reggio di Calabria (RL). In three of these catchment areas, the combined market share exceeds 40-45 per cent, which will prompt the group to commit (“si impegna”) to disposing of several entities. The choice is between three options, but each of the three combinations implies the sale of the Reggio di Calabria terminal in addition to a plant (probably a cement facility owned by the target), claims CIM-CIC Market Solutions.

CIM-CIC Market Solutions concludes "This is good news for HeidelbergCement, as it has an open road to consolidate the Italian cement market which, especially in the centre of the country, looks like a boxing ring."