Expansion of Building Solutions through acquisitions in Western Europe
Building materials specialist Holcim has acquired French concrete component manufacturer Alkern. The acquisition strengthens Holcim's business in the Building Solutions segment and brings it closer to its goal of this segment accounting for around 50 per cent of net sales by 2030.
Zoug-based building materials manufacturer Holcim has acquired Alkern, a French manufacturer of precast concrete elements based in Harnes. The aim of the acquisition is to advance Holcim’s NextGen Growth 2030 targets, according to which the Building Solutions division is to account for a total of 50 per cent of net sales by 2030.
Alkern, which has more than 1,000 employees and 50 plants in France and Belgium and most recently generated annual net sales of €250 million, offers solutions for the built environment in addition to precast concrete products. The acquisition thus complements Holcim’s portfolio with wall, floor and water management systems in addition to precast concrete products.
“Both Alkern’s leading position in precast concrete elements in France and its wall, floor and water management systems complement our portfolio and expand our high-quality range of building solutions. We welcome Alkern’s 1,000 employees to Holcim and look forward to creating further added value together while advancing the ‘NextGen Growth 2030’ goal,” said Dragan Maksimovic, Region Head West Europe at Holcim.
According to Holcim, the acquisition will have a positive impact on earnings per share (EPS) and free cash flow in the first year. From the third year onwards, annual synergies of around €11 million and an improvement in return on invested capital (ROIC) are expected.
Holcim, which claims to be a leader in sustainable construction, generated sales of €16.2 billion in 2024. The Zug-based company offers end-to-end building materials and construction solutions, from foundations and flooring to roofs and walls.