Spohn Cement GmbH has raised its stake in German building materials group HeidelbergCement AG to 52.3 per cent as of August 3, 2005. Spohn, controlled by HeidelbergCement’s shareholder Adolf Merckle, acquired 35.64 per cent of the group’s issued share capital, representing 41,071,556 shares, as part of a takeover offer, it said on August 5, 2005. Spohn previously held 19,208,057 HeidelbergCement shares. Spohn’s offer runs until August 12, 2005. Published under Cement News