Private equity firms eye up cement maker after suicide

Private equity firms are considering investing in HeidelbergCement, the debt-ridden parent company of Hanson and Castle Cement.
Goldman Sachs, TPG and Bain Capital are rumoured to be considering joining forces to purchase a large stake in the company, owned by the family of German billionaire Adolf Merkle, who committed suicide on January 5.

Other interested parties are said to be PAI Partners, the French buy-out house, as well as an Anglo-American group.

Heidelberg Cement has a €12bn following the purchase last year of Hanson.

Any deal will probably require a restructuring of the company’s debt.