FTC Approves Final Order Preserving Competition In 14 U.S. Markets for Cement

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that the $25 billion merger of cement manufacturers Holcim Ltd. and Lafarge S.A. would likely harm competition in 12 markets for portland cement, and two markets for slag cement. The merger will create the world’s largest cement manufacturer.

Under the order, first announced in May 2015, the two companies are required to divest cement plants, quarries, terminals and other assets in 12 states – Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin – and several locations in Canada.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 4-1, with Commissioner Joshua D. Wright voting no. (FTC File No. 141 0129; the staff contact is James Southworth, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2822)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust{at}ftc{dot}gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Room CC-5422, Washington, DC 20580. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.