Hanson boosts Heidelberg profits

Heidelberg Cement says its revenues for 2007 will be about +35% higher than 2006 at about € 10,7 billion, following the acquisition of Hanson and the sale of Maxit Group. Its operating profits are expected to hit € 1,8 billion, a +38% increase on 2006's figure of € 1,3 billion.

The addition of Hanson has seen Heidelberg's aggregates sales more than double to 179 million tonnes in 2007, even though the UK-based company has only been included in the figures since the completion of the acquisition in September.

Heidelberg's cement and clinker sales are expected to be up +10% on 2007 at 88 million tonnes, while ready-mixed concrete sales should be up about +30% to 33 million m³.

Although the company was generally up beat in its statement, it did sound a note of caution. “Economic slowdowns and weather-related losses had an effect at the regional level (in the fourth quarter). The growth drivers were the Group's leading positions in Eastern Europe and Central Asia as well as increases in the emerging countries,” it said.