With this notification, Holcim and Lafarge have now completed all necessary notifications with regulatory authorities worldwide.
During the constructive pre-notification discussions which Lafarge and Holcim have had with the European Commission, the list of proposed assets for divestment in Europe has been slightly amended. Compared with the list of assets presented on 7 July, 2014, the two companies now propose to retain Lafarge's Mannersdorf plant located in Austria and to divest all of Holcim's operations in Slovakia
In the rest of the world, the proposed list of assets remains the same, with the exception of the Philippines, as announced by the boards of directors of Lafarge Republic and of Holcim Philippines.
In parallel to the regulatory process, Holcim and Lafarge are in ongoing negotiations with potential buyers of the assets that are proposed for divestment.
As previously stated, the proposed divestments are subject to review and approval of the regulatory authorities and to the agreement of joint venture partners where relevant. As announced, both companies will continue to consider whether further divestments would be necessary in areas where there are overlaps or to satisfy regulatory requirements.
The divestment process will be carried out in the framework of the relevant social processes and ongoing dialogue with the employee representatives' bodies.
The closing of the planned merger is expected in H1 2015, with the aim of creating the most balanced and diversified portfolio in the industry, operating in 90 countries and creating superior value for its stakeholders and customers.