Iconic contruction brands Tarmac and Blue Circle have been combined to create a UK leader in the building materials sector.
Irish-based group CRH has completed its acquisition of the business formerly known as Lafarge Tarmac, of which the two brands were both part, from previous joint owners Lafarge and Anglo American.
The £5billion deal was agreed in order to help clear regulatory hurdles relating to the £30bn merger of French group Lafarge with Holcim of Switzerland.
Lafarge Tarmac, which employs around 6,600 people at 330 sites, is now to be rebranded as Tarmac, but with the familar logo of the Blue Circle cement business being retained.
Tarmac chief executive Cyrille Ragoucy said the name and logo drew on the strengths of both brands.
“This is an exciting evolution for our business,” he said.
“With our new owner CRH in place to support the ongoing development and delivery of our strategic vision, we’re in an exceptionally strong position to deliver our growth ambitions and continue creating value for our customers, our shareholders and our employees.”
Lafarge Tarmac was formed in January 2013 following the merger of Anglo American and Lafarge’s cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt and asphalt surfacing operations in the UK.
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