UK: Lafarge and Anglo American have announced the completion of a 50:50 venture which combines their cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt and asphalt surfacing, maintenance services and waste service businesses in the UK. The joint venture will be known as Lafarge Tarmac and began trading today. The Lafarge Tarmac combination is expected to generate savings of Euro74m through improved operational, logistical and purchasing efficiencies and the introduction of value-added products across a wider geographic area.



Completion of the Lafarge Tarmac joint venture follows final clearance from the UK Competition Commission, based on the completed sale of a portfolio of Tarmac and Lafarge construction materials operations in the UK, which also occurred on 7 January 2013. The agreed sale of Tarmac's 50% ownership interest in Midland Quarry Products is subject to a right of pre-emption in favour of Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited. As a result of this the completion of this transaction is pending.



"We have successfully united two high quality and complementary UK businesses to create the leading UK construction materials company with high quality assets, two experienced management teams and a portfolio of well-recognised, innovative brands," said Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive of Anglo American.



"The closing of this transaction and the creation of a new British construction materials champion reinforce Lafarge's ongoing commitment to the UK market and its efforts to continuously improve its offering to customers, as well as playing a full role in developing the infrastructure needed for a growing economy," said Bruno Lafont, Chairman & Chief Executive of Lafarge.