James Hardie Sells Fermacell Business to Holcim for $980 Million

James Hardie Industries will sell its European Fermacell business to the Swiss building-materials company Holcim for EUR840 million, or approximately $980 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, allowing the company to shift its focus toward higher-growth and higher-return markets.

James Hardie plans to allocate $600 million of the sale proceeds to repay debt, aiming for a net leverage target of below 2.0 times by September 30, 2027. The company has also authorized a new $250 million share repurchase program. In a related move, James Hardie intends to close its European fiber cement business, subject to legal and regulatory requirements.

Christian Claus, the current CEO of Fermacell and President of James Hardie Europe, will continue to lead Fermacell and the Aestuver brand following the acquisition by Holcim.