Lagan Group responds to threat over proposed merger

The Lagan Group has called in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the receipt of a package containing a bullet which was addressed to the company’s Chief Executive, Kevin Lagan, the company said in a statement.

Lagan Cement Group recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Quinn Building Products that may lead to a joint venture  between the two groups which would combine their cement and building products businesses based in Ballyconnell, Derrylin, Kinnegad, Belfast, Cork and Benelux.

The bullet, which was sent to Mr Lagan at his Belfast office, was accompanied by a message stating: “Quinn ... is this what you want.” Mr Lagan immediately called the PSNI to investigate.

Mr Lagan said: “This is clearly an attempt to intimidate myself and the Lagan Group at a time when we are engaged in discussions with Quinn on combining our cement and building products businesses.  

“The proposed JV is a positive move for everyone and will create a sustainable, independent cement manufacturer that can continue to support its customers and employees on a competitive basis. The people behind this crude, intimidatory tactic clearly aren’t interested in protecting jobs, but we will not be swayed from our determination to complete our discussions successfully.”