Lafarge SA and Anglo American plc announce their agreement to combine their cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt and contracting businesses in the United Kingdom, comprising Lafarge Cement UK, Lafarge Aggregates and Concrete UK, ("Lafarge UK") and Tarmac Limited ("Tarmac UK").
The transaction will form a 50:50 joint-venture and will create a leading UK construction materials company with a portfolio of high quality assets drawing on the complementary geographical distribution of operations and assets, the skills of two experienced teams and a portfolio of well-known & innovative brands. The 2010 combined sales of these two businesses amount to £1.8 billion with combined EBITDA of £210 million.
This combination is expected to deliver substantial recurring synergies of at least £60 million per annum. Such synergies are expected to be generated by increased operational efficiencies, improved logistics, and the introduction of value-added products across a wider geographic reach.
The joint-venture's complementary geographical and product portfolios are also expected to create a business optimally positioned to benefit from the economic recovery.
Bruno Lafont, Chairman and Chief Executive of Lafarge, said: "This new leading construction materials company, built on the strengths and proud histories of two great teams, will create more value to customers, with an enhanced and larger offer of products and services. For Lafarge this deal is cash neutral, is accretive to Lafarge's shareholders and illustrates our strong commitment to the UK market."
Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: "We are excited to be bringing together two high quality and complementary UK businesses to create a compelling new industry proposition through which we expect to unlock significant value. While Anglo American's objective remains to divest its interests in the joint venture over time, this transaction positions us well to maximise value."
The joint-venture will operate with its own Board of Directors led by an independent Chairman and executive management teams drawn from both businesses.
Completion of the transaction is conditional upon regulatory approvals. Both Lafarge UK and Tarmac UK operations will continue to operate independently until obtaining such approvals.
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