News, 27 September 2012
The Finnish Competition Authority (FCA) approved the acquisition on 25.9.2012, in which Rudus Oy acquired the sole control of Lemminkäinen Rakennustuotteet Oy (Lemminkäinen Construction Materials). Rudus and Finnsementti Oy both belong to the CRH Group, which is an international concern and sells the majority of concrete products used in Finland. Both parties to the deal develop, manufacture and sell stone-based building materials.
The FCA especially assessed the effects of the deal on competition in the markets for ready-made concrete and concrete products.
According to the FCA, the transaction will not cause any significant adverse effects, as defined in competition law, on competition in the ready-made concrete market. This is, among other things, because the preservation of competition is sufficient and poses no significant obstacles to those entering the sector. Additionally, it has been determined that after the transaction, Rudus will still face competition from other players in the sector for concrete products.
The acquisition and link between Finnsementti and Rudus changes the market situation very little, and businesses that are not dependent on Finnsementti will continue to operate in the sector.
The transaction had been transferred to the Agency for further processing on 6.8.2012. The trade was approved without condition, because based on the investigation, the threshold for intervention according to law is not exceeded.
A public version of the decision will be published on the FCA's webpage as soon as it is completed.
Further information:
Senior Research Officer Keijo Ranta
Head of Research Maarit Taurula