Since 1947, Holcim Ltd has held a minority stake of approximately 10% in Wiesbaden, Germany-based building materials producer Dyckerhoff AG. Under a periodic review of its portfolio of shareholdings, Holcim has decided to sell off its stake in the company.

In a first step, Buzzi Unicem S.p.A. will acquire from Holcim 5.5% of all ordinary shares and 0.6% of the preferred shares of Dyckerhoff for about US$26.8 million. A put and call option have been contractually agreed for a further 1.1 million ordinary shares (5.3%) at a price of US$26 million. These options may be exercised at the beginning of 2004.