£8bn offered for Hanson

has reached agreement with

for the acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Hanson at a price of 1100p in cash for each Hanson share.

The board of directors of Hanson intends to recommend Hanson shareholders to accept the £8bn offer.

HeidelbergCement is one of the leading producers of building materials worldwide, with its core products being cement, ready-mixed concrete and concrete products, aggregates, building materials and related activities. The company employs around 46,000 people in more than 50 countries and generated revenues in excess of €9bn in 2006.

Hanson is one of the world’s largest suppliers of heavy building materials to the construction industry, with turnover in 2006 of £4.1bn. Its products fall into two categories: aggregates and building products. Hanson employs approximately 26,000 people, operating primarily in North America, the UK and Australia with further operations in Asia Pacific and Continental Europe.