Swiss building materials group Holcim has agreed to acquire German gypsum-fiberboard manufacturer Fermacell from James Hardie Industries for €840 million, the companies said on Thursday.
Fermacell, headquartered in Düsseldorf, operates six production sites and employs more than 1,000 people. The company is projected to generate around €430 million in revenue in 2026, according to Holcim’s announcement.
The acquisition will expand Holcim’s portfolio of wall, floor and fire-protection solutions across Europe. Holcim expects the deal to have a positive impact on earnings per share from the first year onward. Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is slated to close in the first half of 2027.
For James Hardie, the sale marks a strategic retreat from Europe. The Irish-based fiber-cement producer plans to focus its operations on North America following investor criticism of its $8.75 billion acquisition of U.S. building products firm AZEK last year.
Holcim, which already operates under the brand LafargeHolcim in many markets, did not disclose additional financial or operational details about the Fermacell purchase.
