Cement giant snaps up Alkern in massive deal

Construction materials giant Holcim closed the Alkern acquisition this week, adding 1,000 employees and over 50 production facilities to its European operations.

Holcim has finalized its acquisition of Alkern, a leading French precast concrete manufacturer. The deal adds approximately EUR 250 million in estimated 2025 net sales to Holcim’s operations.

Founded in 1972, Alkern employs 1,000 people across more than 50 production sites in France and Belgium. The company specializes in precast concrete elements and building solutions for infrastructure, industry, and construction projects.

The acquisition strengthens Holcim’s Building Solutions segment. Alkern’s product range includes walling, flooring, and water management systems that complement Holcim’s existing portfolio. These solutions serve the broader built environment market.

The transaction supports Holcim’s NextGen Growth 2030 strategy. Under this plan, Building Solutions aims to represent 50% of group net sales by 2030. The Alkern acquisition moves the company closer to this target.

Financially, the deal promises strong returns. Holcim expects run-rate EBITDA synergies of EUR 11 million by year three. The acquisition will be EPS accretive in year one and ROIC accretive in year three.

“Alkern’s leading precast concrete offering in France, as well as its specifiable walling, flooring and water management systems, are highly complementary to Holcim’s portfolio,” said Dragan Maksimovic, Region Head West Europe at Holcim. He emphasized the acquisition would expand Holcim’s high-value Building Solutions while advancing the NextGen Growth 2030 strategy.