Swiss construction giant Holcim has completed the sale of its 83.81% controlling interest in Lafarge Africa PLC to China’s Huaxin Cement for USD 1 billion. The transaction strengthens Holcim’s financial flexibility, enabling the company to channel resources into its growth strategy, while Lafarge Africa continues operations in Nigeria under new ownership.
The move is part of Holcim’s broader portfolio realignment, allowing it to sharpen focus on global priorities in sustainable construction. For Nigeria, Huaxin Cement’s takeover signals continuity in business operations, with expectations of fresh investment to drive long-term development.
On the financial markets, Holcim’s stock (CH:HOLN) carries a “Hold” rating, with analysts setting a CHF 60.00 price target. The divestment is seen as a step toward optimizing capital allocation, while maintaining stable prospects for the company’s share value.
Holcim remains a leading force in building materials, reporting CHF 16.2 billion in net sales in 2024. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, the company employs more than 48,000 people across 45 countries. Its portfolio includes eco-focused brands such as ECOPlanet, ECOPact, and ECOCycle, reflecting its commitment to sustainable construction solutions.
The deal also underscores the growing role of Chinese companies like Huaxin Cement in Africa’s construction sector, where demand for infrastructure development continues to rise.
