Deal watch

Every month, we bring you a listing of the biggest deals struck by Indian companies in India and abroad. Our partner: global professional services firm Ernst & Young. Here are the deals that were struck in May 2008. 

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Deal particulars: Lafarge SA, a global leader in the cement industry, through its subsidiary Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete, has agreed to acquire Larsen & Toubro’s ready mix concrete (RMC) business unit, L&T Concrete, for Rs 1,483 crore.

Impact analysis: The deal fits in well with Lafarge SA’s plans to expand its aggregates and concrete business in emerging markets. Lafarge is already a significant cement player in India and the acquisition will allow it to integrate forward. Secondly, it makes Lafarge the leader in the growing Indian RMC industry, with a 25 per cent market share. The Indian RMC market currently consumes less than 5 per cent of the total cement produced in the country, compared to 70 per cent in the developed world. So, it offers massive growth potential.