Holcim - share capital increase

With the successful closing of the public purchase offer to the minority shareholders of Holcim Apasco, Holcim Ltd announced a share capital increase in the amount of approximately CHF1.5 billion which was fully underwritten by a syndicate of banks on April 7, 2004.

The Board of Directors of Holcim Ltd will submit to the Annual General Meeting of May 14, 2004, the proposal to issue 28.74 million new registered shares, out of the previously stated maximum of 33.54 million new registered shares.

Shareholders of Holcim will be offered, expected as from May 18, 2004, one new share for every 7 existing shares held, at a subscription price of  CHF 52. The underwriting agreement also allows an increase of the subscription price under favorable market conditions.