[Original] Holi Lafarge Actively Seeks Brazilian Merger Clearance

   Holcim and Lafarge are currently in Conselho Administra tivo de Defesa Econ with the Brazilian antitrust association. The mica negotiates a merger agreement.

   The negotiations involve the divestiture of 31% of Holcim and Lafarge's combined annual cement production capacity in Brazil, or 3.6 million tons. The asset may be sold to a single bidder or to several bidders. Holcim should also file a Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econ for the antitrust violation. The mica association handed over a fine of $197 million. As early as 2007, Lafarge was fined $16.7 million for conspiring with another French cement producer, Vicat, to monopolize the market and prevent cheaper foreign cement from entering the market.