German Sale Discontinued

RNS Number:2317R
RMC Group PLC
23 October 2003


Thursday, 23 October 2003


RMC Group p.l.c.  - discussions regarding German sale discontinued



RMC Group p.l.c. ("RMC") and HeidelbergCement AG have discontinued discussions
regarding the possible sale of RMC's German operations.  Following meetings with
the European Commission and the German competition authorities, it became clear
that it was not possible to structure the proposed transaction to overcome the
regulatory issues with certainty and within a timeframe acceptable to RMC.



RMC remains determined to resolve the problems facing its German business and is
now focusing on its restructuring plans to deal with the unacceptable losses
currently being incurred.



Commenting, Sir John Parker, RMC Group Chairman, said:



" It was appropriate, given the unacceptable level of our losses in Germany, to
explore HeidelbergCement's unsolicited proposal.  However, once it became clear
that the transaction could not be achieved with certainty and within an
acceptable timeframe the companies decided to terminate discussions.  To prolong
this uncertainty for longer than absolutely necessary was not in the interests
of our German business, our employees or the Group's shareholders."



Ends


Enquiries:



Investor Relations    Gary Rawlinson     01932 583067

Media Relations       Tim Stokes            01932 583215




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