ITALCALCESTRUZZI/CALCESTRUZZI (Start of full phase investigation)
PRESS RELEASE
The Italian Competition Authority deemed that the acquisition by Italcalcestruzzi (controlled by Italcementi) of Calcestruzzi could constitute or strengthen a dominant position in the markets concerned with the merger, so as to reduce competition substantially and on a lasting basis.
The Authority therefore initiated a proceeding against the Italcementi, Italcalcestruzzi e Calcestruzzi.
Calcestruzzi holds a leadership position in the ready-mixed concrete national market. The markets concerned with the merger deal with the production and distribution of ready-mixed concrete and inert materials.
Further, given that Italcementi controls Italcalcestruzzi, which is active in the manufacturing and marketing of cement, raw material used in the production of concrete, the effects of the merger are to be appraised also in such a market.
The acquisition of Calcestruzzi will lead to a strengthening of Italcementi group in the cement market, since the acquired company is one of the main users of cement in Italy. Taking into account the quantities of cement used by Calcestruzzi, the strengthening of the acquirer will be particularly appreciable in the Sicily and Sardinia markets, where Italcementi could adopt commercial practices which are substantially independent of rivals'.
The investigation is to be concluded by 45 days.