Lafarge Tarmac says watchdog's cement proposals are flawed

The materials giant insisted that there was already effective competition and customers would lose out from the CC’s plan.

Yesterday the CC outlined a plan requiring cement producers to sell plants to enable the creation of a new player in the cement market.

A spokesperson for Lafarge Tarmac said: "We’re disappointed with the commission’s provisional decision on remedies. The commission’s assumptions and reasoning have serious flaws and the biggest loser in this process will be the customer. There is strong evidence to demonstrate there is effective competition in the sector – with new players having recently entered the marketplace. The CC should take these factors on board for its final report.

"The CC is yet to publish its final report and it would not be appropriate to speculate or comment further at this stage before the final outcome of this process."

Cemex was similarly critical of the commission, saying: "The conclusion that there is insufficient competition in the cement market is incorrect and disproportionate to the alleged harm, which is itself unproven."

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