Vulcan Strikes Back

June 7, 2021 – In a blockbuster deal that has tongues wagging all over the industry, Vulcan Materials announced it has acquired U.S. Concrete. The stunning move comes on the heels of Martin Marietta’s acquisition of Lehigh Hanson Inc.’s West Region business – two huge industry acquisitions back-to-back. With 27 aggregates operations serving California, Texas and the Northeast that shipped 12.6 million tons in 2020, Vulcan’s acquisition of U.S. Concrete’s portfolio represents a natural addition to Vulcan’s business, the company stated. After Martin Marietta’s deal, speculation was rampant that it had surpassed Vulcan as the nation’s number-one aggregates producer. But this is like hitting a grand slam the next inning after the other team smacks a three-run homer. Looking at the big picture, what we are seeing is companies flush with cash positioning themselves for a thriving industry due to the promise of a huge national investment in infrastructure. Expect the merger mania to continue.