Save to read list Published by Alfie Lloyd-Perks, Assistant Editor World Cement, Monday, 20 April 2026 08:34

Heidelberg Materials to increase its existing shareholding in Akçansa from 39.72% to 79.44%, significantly strengthening its strategic position in Turkey and the Mediterranean Basin.

Akçansa operates three cement plants, 26 ready-mixed concrete plants, five aggregates quarries, and five cement terminals across five seaports in the attractive Marmara, Aegean, and Black Sea regions.

The transaction aims to unlock significant operational, commercial, and logistical synergies through majority control.

Heidelberg Materials drives a step change in its export capabilities to existing and future global growth markets, leveraging one of the world’s most cost-competitive production hubs.

Heidelberg Materials has accepted to acquire the offered 39.72% stake of Sabanci Holding in Akçansa, increasing its shareholding from 39.72% to 79.44%. By moving to majority control, Heidelberg Materials significantly strengthens its strategic positioning in Turkey, the Mediterranean Basin, and beyond.

Akçansa is a leading integrated cement and building materials producer listed on Borsa Istanbul. The company operates three cement plants, 26 ready-mixed concrete plants, five aggregate quarries, and five cement terminals across five seaports in the Marmara, Aegean, and Black Sea regions. The asset base is strategically located in Turkey’s most economically active region, with the Marmara area alone accounting for approximately 70% of national economic output.

With this transaction, Heidelberg Materials expects to generate significant operational, commercial, and logistical synergies that can be fully captured under majority ownership.

“This transaction is fully aligned with our strategy of strengthening leading positions in core markets with attractive long-term fundamentals,” said Dr Dominik von Achten, Chairman of the Managing Board of Heidelberg Materials. “It provides us with the opportunity to further optimise our portfolio and strengthen our supply capabilities in a region with compelling growth opportunities.”

“Majority ownership allows us to unlock Akçansa’s full operational and strategic potential,” said Hakan Gurdal, member of the Managing Board of Heidelberg Materials and responsible for Africa-Mediterranean-Western Asia. “The Marmara region is the economic engine of Turkey, and Akçansa is exceptionally well positioned within it. With full consolidation, we can accelerate our growth by enhancing our decision making, improving competitiveness, and expanding our role as a key supplier to both domestic and global export markets.”

Akçansa’s integrated footprint and coastal access provide a scalable platform to serve both domestic demand and international export markets. The transaction enhances Heidelberg Materials’ ability to dynamically allocate volumes between local markets and export destinations, including the Mediterranean basin, the Black Sea region, and the East Coast of the US. In addition, Turkey’s geographic position offers long-term strategic upside linked to future reconstruction and infrastructure demand in neighbouring regions, including parts of the Middle East and Black Sea region.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. Following the completion of the share transfer, Heidelberg Materials will comply with any requirements under capital market laws as applicable.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/20042026/heidelberg-materials-steps-up-to-a-majority-stake-in-akansa-and-advances-global-growth-platform-in-turkey/