Oman: China-based Huaxin Cement has concluded a share purchase agreement with Omani sovereign wealth fund Oman Investment Authority (OIA) for the acquisition of a 60% stake in Oman Cement. ASDQ Financial News has reported the value of the deal as US$193m.

OIA director general of private ownership Ibrahim bin Said al Eisari said "This exit comes in accordance with a plan pursued by OIA aimed at achieving a number of goals, including attracting foreign investment to the sultanate. This will contribute to the development of operations at Oman Cement, increase the efficiency of its production lines and enhance its competitiveness locally and regionally, in addition to enhancing the positive image of the Omani industrial sector in general."

Bolivia/Mexico: Compañía de Inversiones Mercantiles (CIMSA) has signed a settlement agreement with GCC in the parties' dispute over a transaction affecting shares in Sociedad Boliviana de Cemento (SOBOCE). Law360 News has reported that the settlement does not preclude GCC´s option to recover the settlement amount from other third parties, if necessary.

GCC failed to grant CIMSA a right of preference before selling its 47% stake in SOBOCE in 2011. The Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission (CIAC) subsequently awarded compensation to CIMSA. Since this time, the matter has passed through courts in both Bolivia and the US.

Afghanistan: The government's Mines and Petroleum Ministry has awarded a contract for construction of a new 1Mt/yr cement plant in Kandahar Province. Bakhtar News Agency has reported that the project will have a budget of US$100m.

Saudi Arabia: Najran Cement has signed a deal for a US$85m six-year financing facility from Al Rajhi Bank. The producer says that its logistics unit will use the funds 'to endorse its core business activities.'