FTC Requests Public Comment on Application from HeidelbergCement AG and Italcementi S.p.A. to Approve Divestiture of Cement Facility

The Federal Trade Commission is currently accepting public comments on an application from HeidelbergCement AG and Italcementi S.p.A. to sell the Martinsburg, W.Va.-based Martinsburg Cement Business.

The divestiture is required by the FTC’s August 2016 order settling charges that the $4.2 billion merger of Heidelberg and Italcementi would likely harm competition in five regional markets for cement in the United States.

The companies request approval to divest this business to Argos USA LLC, a subsidiary of Cementos Argos S.A. The divestiture application describes Argos as having the ability to operate the Martinsburg Cement Business in a successful and competitive manner. 

The Commission will decide whether to approve the proposed divestiture after expiration of a 30-day public comment period. Public comments may be submitted until October 24, 2016. Written comments should be sent to:  FTC Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20580. Comments can also be filed electronically. (FTC File No. 151 0200, Docket No. C-4579; the staff contact is Dan Ducore, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2526)

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