Hanson boost

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.