Holcim's €840 million acquisition of gypsum‑board maker Fermacell expands its lightweight building‑solutions portfolio and marks James Hardie's exit from the European market
Executive summary: Holcim agreed to purchase Fermacell, a German gypsum‑fibre board manufacturer, for €840 million from James Hardie. The deal strengthens Holcim’s position in lightweight interior construction systems, diversifies its revenue base beyond cement, and removes James Hardie’s European exposure.
Who is involved: Holcim (Swiss building‑materials conglomerate), James Hardie (Australian‑origin building‑products firm), and Fermacell (Düsseldorfer gypsum‑board producer).
Likely next: Completion of the acquisition after antitrust clearance, integration of Fermacell into Holcim’s building‑solutions division, and James Hardie reporting the divestment proceeds in its FY‑2026 results.
The Swiss building‑materials group Holcim announced it will acquire Düsseldorf‑based Fermacell for €840 million, adding a leading producer of gypsum‑fibre panels to its portfolio. For the seller, James Hardie, the deal represents a complete withdrawal from the European gypsum‑board business, allowing the Australian‑origin group to focus on its Asia‑Pacific operations. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
Timeline
- — Industrie: Holcim übernimmt Gipsfaserplatten-Hersteller Fermacell (Handelsblatt)
Sources
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