HeidelbergCement joins forces with IFC to expand in the Sub-Sahara region

Byswb

Updated 2010-05-20

HeidelbergCement and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, signed an agreement to support the development of local infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa by increasing the local supply of cement. Under the agreement, IFC and its financial partners will inject equity of up to USD 180 million in exchange for a minority stake in HeidelbergCement Group's operations in Africa. HeidelbergCement is committed to use the proceeds to invest in the expansion of local cement capacities in sub-Saharan countries supported by the International Development Association (IDA).

"We are very happy about the partnership with IFC that creates a win-win situation for all parties involved," explains Dr. Bernd Scheifele, CEO of HeidelbergCement. "Through the co-operation with IFC, HeidelbergCement secures attractive equity financing for the development of local cement capacities in Africa. In this partnership we will contribute our long-standing international experience in the construction material industry and strong governance, ethical and environmental management policies. The investment program will stimulate the improvement of local infrastructure and housing, create additional jobs and improve environmental standards."

Dimitris Tsitsiragos, IFC Director for Global Manufacturing and Services, said, "IFC's support of HeidelbergCement's strategic expansion will increase the supply of locally produced cement in the region and help stimulate the development of infrastructure. It will also improve production standards and help create employment opportunities."

IFC and its financial partners, which include PROPARCO, will inject equity by way of a capital increase in Scancem International ANS, a subsidiary of HeidelbergCement that runs the company's operations in Africa. The initial capital injection will amount to USD 60 million. The total equity contribution may be increased up to USD 180 million. HeidelbergCement will use the proceeds from the capital injections to expand its operations in sub-Saharan IDA countries. Part of the initial capital injection will be used to expand the cement mill capacity in Liberia. Additional projects envisaged include the construction and upgrade of mill and kiln capacities in Ghana, Togo and Gabon. The projects are expected to be implemented by 2013.


About HeidelbergCement

HeidelbergCement is the global market leader in aggregates and a prominent player in the fields of cement, concrete and other downstream activities, making it one of the world's largest manufacturers of building materials. The company employs some 53,000 people at 2,500 locations in more than 40 countries.

About IFC

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, creates opportunity for people to escape poverty and improve their lives. IFC fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by supporting private sector development, mobilizing private capital, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC's new investments totaled USD 14.5 billion in fiscal 2009, helping channel capital into developing countries during the financial crisis. 

About PROPARCO

PROPARCO is a Development Financial Institution partly held by Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) and private shareholders. PROPARCO's mission is to be a catalyst for private investment in developing countries which targets growth and sustainable development. In 2009, PROPARCO granted EUR 1.1 billion for over eighty projects.

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