Holcim Romania and Oresa signed the sale-purchase agreement for Somaco Grup Prefabricate

Holcim Romania and Oresa signed the contract for the purchase of 100% of the shares of Somaco Grup Prefabricate. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals by the Romanian Competition Council.

Holcim Romania, part of LafargeHolcim, plans to diversify its construction material portfolio through the acquisition of Somaco, one of the leading players in the local market, specialising in concrete precast and AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete).

"Holcim Romania is constantly investing in product and solution development, as part of our Strategy 2022 – Building for Growth. Thus, we aim to acquire Somaco, a successful business, with experience and tradition in the local construction materials market. We would like to welcome them to the LafargeHolcim family and, together, to support Romania in building better by delivering durable and diverse solutions, aimed at the real needs of our clients"stated Horia Adrian, CEO Holcim Romania.

Somaco operates five concrete precast factories in Teius, Timisoara, Targoviste, Buzau, and Roman, as well as an AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete) factory in Adjud. The company has a strong portfolio of precast solutions for industrial, logistic and commercial building structures, for infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, subway rings) and for wastewater systems. Somaco reported a consolidated turnover of EUR 56 million in 2018 and employs 750 people. Somaco developed as a result of investments started in 2008 by the private-equity firm Oresa, which acquired the six factories in stages and enrolled in an ambitious program of refurbishment, capacity increase and quality upgrade.

"We are proud of the way in which we, together with the management team, have succeeded to grow the Somaco business fivefold since it entered our portfolio, with Somaco now recognized as a leading supplier of concrete precast solutions and a trusted partner for the large construction companies in Romania "added Cornel Marian, Partner Oresa.

"Oresa facilitated the access to financing for investments in technology and people, as well as the access to industry-specific business expertise. It encouraged a healthy culture based on entrepreneurship, professionalism and care for the client. Joining the LafargeHolcim group is an exceptional opportunity for the team, for accelerating the development of Somaco’s business and for launching innovative precast products and solutions in Romania" added Sorin Miron, CEO Somaco.

Holcim Romania is a member of the LafargeHolcim group, created through the merger among equals of Lafarge and Holcim in 2015. With more than 180 years of combined experience, the Group resulting from the merger aims to enter a new era of leading technology and innovation in construction materials, to face the challenges of the 21st century.

Popovici, Nițu, Stoica & Asociații advised the Swedish investment fund Oresa on the sale of Somaco, one of the leading precast concrete producers in Romania, to LafargeHolcim.

PNSA team led by Partner Silviu Stoica along with Managing Associate Vlad Ambrozie, also included Associate Ruxandra Petcu.

Holcim Romania was assisted by Filip & Company and Mazars consultants, and Oresa was assisted by KPMG and the law firm Popovici, Niţu, Stoica & Asociaţii (PNSA).