Heidelberg Cement¡¯s sales rose +11,8% over the first nine months of the year to € 7,25 billion. Its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) was up more than +100% to € 2,4 billion. However, having disposed of maxit Group and acquired Hanson over the last 12 months, this figure is misleading. Heidelberg Cement says its like-for-like profits were up +42%, compared to the first nine months of 2006.

The company says its cement and clinker sales were up +11,5% to 65,5 tonnes over the first nine months of the year, with the strongest growth seen in its Asia-Australia-Africa-Mediterranean Group area, followed by Europe-Central Asia. It also says the inclusion of Hanson from the start of September led to an increase in aggregates volumes, as well as ready-mixed concrete.

Regarding the acquisition of Hanson, Heidelberg Cement said it was identifying areas of potential improvement. It says it expects to make organisational changes as a result of its internal audit at the start of next year.