Lafarge, Holcim negotiate mega-merger

The world's two largest cement makers are in advanced talks to merge into a company that would have a stock market value of more than $ 30 billion euros (£ 25 billion). A deal between France’s Lafarge and the Swiss Holcim group would be the industry’s biggest ever merger. However, the proposed tie-up could face a lengthy competition inquiry from regulators as the new company would be dominant in Europe and the US. Shares in Lafarge and Holcim jumped 9 per cent and 7 % respectively on the news. In statements on Friday, the companies emphasised that no agreement had yet been reached, and that there was no guarantee of a deal. A merger would allow the companies to cut costs, trim debt and reduce the sector’s global overcapacity, according to BBC.