Holcim buys Italian calcium carbonate supplier

Zug, Switzerland – Construction materials and products group Holcim has acquired Nicem srl, an Italian supplier of grounded calcium carbonate.

Based in Bergamo, northern Italy, Nicem has a broad customer base supplying to industries such as rubber, plastic, and paints, said Holcim in a statement 10 Jan.

With the acquisition, the Swiss group said it expected Nicem’s low-emission raw materials to help accelerate “green formulations” of sustainable building solutions.

Calcium carbonate is a highly versatile, low-carbon raw material that is useful for a broad range of applications.

In rubber applications, the material can be used as an extender and detacktifying agent, while also helping improve stiffness or abrasion resistance.

“Nicem complements our existing operations perfectly and allows us to further leverage our expertise in green formulation,” said Miljan Gutovic, Holcim region head Europe.

The acquisition advances Holcim’s mid-term ‘green growth’ strategy which aims targets bold-on acquisitions in aggregates and ready-mix concrete businesses.