30th Dec 2005 10:00
CRH PLC30 December 2005 N E W S R E L E A S E 30th December 2005 CRH ACQUIRES 26.3% OF MAJOR SPANISH CEMENT PRODUCER CRH plc, the international building materials group, announces that it hasacquired a 26.3% equity stake in Corporacion Uniland S.A. (Uniland), a majorSpanish manufacturer of cement, readymixed concrete, mortar and aggregates withadditional cement and readymixed concrete interests in Tunisia, Argentina andUruguay, for a consideration of approximately euro 300 million. In Spain, Uniland operates two integrated cement plants in Catalonia, where itis market leader, with total annual cement production capacity of 3.2 milliontonnes. It also has extensive readymixed concrete, mortar and aggregatesoperations in the region. In Tunisia, Uniland is the majority owner (88%) of amodern 2 million ton capacity cement plant and is also active in readymixedconcrete. Through a 50/50 joint venture with Cementos Molins of Spain, Unilandhas strong positions in cement and readymixed concrete in both Argentina andUruguay . In 2004, Uniland produced approximately 5.5 million tonnes of cement, 2 millioncubic metres of readymixed concrete and 2 million tonnes of mortar across itsoperations. Uniland reported consolidated sales of euro 423 million in 2004 andprofit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of euro 143million. Operating profit (EBIT) for 2004 amounted to euro 111 million. (Noteall figures include proportionate 50% share of South American operations). Through its wholly owned subsidiary Beton Catalan S.A., CRH has had operationsin Spain since 1987. Beton Catalan is a significant readymixed concrete andconcrete products manufacturer in the Catalonia region and in addition hasstrong positions in readymixed concrete in Madrid and in a number of otherregional Spanish markets. With its 49% investment in Secil, a leadingPortuguese manufacturer of cement, readymixed concrete and aggregates, completedin June 2004, CRH already participates in the Tunisian cement market. CRH isalso a leading producer of clay roof tiles and floor and wall tiles in Argentina. Commenting on the transaction, Liam O'Mahony, Chief Executive of CRH plc, said: "CRH is delighted with this investment in Uniland, a company with which ourexisting Spanish operation has had a long business relationship. We look forwardto working constructively with the company into the future." Contact CRH at Dublin 404 1000 (+353 1 404 1000) Liam O'Mahony Chief ExecutiveMyles Lee Finance DirectorEimar O'Flynn Head of Investor RelationsMaeve Carton Group Controller CRH plc, Belgard Castle , Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Ireland TELEPHONE +353.1.4041000 FAX +353.1.4041007 E-MAIL [email protected] WEBSITE www.crh.com Registered Office, 42 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2, Ireland This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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