Stronger LaFarge post-merger

Lafarge Malaysia factory in Sungai Siput, Perak.

PETALING JAYA: The merger between French and Swiss cement companies Lafarge SA and Holcim Ltd will further cement Lafarge Malaysia Bhd’s position as the market leader in the domestic cement industry, assuming it eventually acquires Holcim’s estimated 4% market share in west Malaysia, said HLIB Research.

The research house said it was positive news that the US$44bil merger, first announced in April 2014, was back on track after it was stalled when Holcim sought better financial terms as well as questioned whether Lafarge’s management should be in charge.