Swiss Cement Maker Considers Acquisition

Holcim Ltd., Zurich, Switzerland, one of the world’s largest cement makers, has announced that it is considering buying building materials group Aggregate Industries, Leicestershire, U.K., for an equivalent of about $3.4 billion, according to a report in the New York Times.

Aggregate Industries makes crushed rock, asphalt, ready-made concrete and other building supplies. By aquiring it, Holcim would gain a presence in Britain, where Aggregate is currently part of several construction projects, including a new terminal at Heathrow Airport and a sports stadium at Wembley, according to the Times.

Holcim would also get Aggregate’s major U.S. holdings.