Swiss Group Announces Xella Acquisition to Expand Sustainable Construction Portfolio
Swiss construction materials giant Holcim reported a 9.8% increase in recurring operating profit (EBIT) in the first nine months of 2025, achieving a 19.1% margin, up 80 basis points year-on-year.
Net sales rose by 2.9% to 11.9 billion Swiss francs, despite global inflationary pressures and slower construction investments.
In October, Holcim signed a binding agreement to acquire Xella, a European leader in sustainable and innovative wall system solutions, with estimated 2025 sales of €1 billion. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in the second half of 2026, adding a new growth engine in a €12 billion market.
Regional Consolidation and Global Expansion
Both companies operate in Romania, where Xella RO reported 2024 revenues of 317 million lei and a net profit of 64 million lei, while Holcim Romania achieved 2.8 billion lei in sales and 359 million lei in profit.
Throughout 2025, Holcim completed 14 global transactions, strengthening its footprint across Central and Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Serbia, France, Germany, Poland) and expanding further in Latin America (Mexico, Argentina, Peru). The group also finalized divestments in Nigeria and Iraq as part of its portfolio optimization strategy.
For the full year, Holcim maintains its guidance of 3–5% net sales growth, an operating margin above 18%, and a free cash flow of around CHF 2 billion, targeting a 20% increase in recycled materials volume.
Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Holcim employs over 45,000 people across 44 markets worldwide.
Photo: Swiss Info
