Graymont and Grupo Calidra have entered into an agreement to purchase the global lime and limestone business of the Belgium-based Sibelco.
The purchase includes operations located across the Asia-Pacific region in Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines; and South America, in Argentina and Chile. Under the terms of the agreement, Graymont will extend its global reach in the Asia-Pacific region, with the acquisition of five active lime plants and a number of limestone quarries on the east coast of Australia as well as lime plants in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Grupo Calidra will acquire the operations in Argentina and Chile.
“This latest acquisition represents another significant milestone in Graymont’s history and strengthens our position as a world-class leader in lime and limestone products,” observed J. Graham Weir, chairman of the board of directors of the Canadian-based company.
“The acquisition of these strategically located assets will extend our reach in a high growth region of the world,” stated President and Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Godin.
Godin noted that, wherever Graymont operates, “we aim to be the preferred supplier, employer and partner of choice. To that end, I look forward to welcoming aboard new team members, customers and other stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region and familiarizing them with Graymont’s world class vision.”
Jorge Bautista, chief executive officer of Mexico-based Grupo Calidra, said the transaction “further strengthens our position as the lime industry supplier of choice in Latin America, and underscores the mutually beneficial nature of our strategic partnership with Graymont.” Graymont has held a significant equity interest in Grupo Calidra since 2003.
Jean-Luc Deleersnyder, chief executive officer of Sibelco, also lauded the transaction. “Through this transaction we will further sharpen our focus on material solutions where we can attain global leadership positions and will also gain additional flexibility to pursue future growth opportunities. We are pleased that the lime and limestone assets will find a home in strong, family-owned enterprises which share our values with respect to the well-being of employees and the environment. The fact that lime and limestone is the core business of both Graymont and Grupo Calidra, will ensure the continued viability and success of these operations.”
The transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed during 2019.