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French and Swiss cement makers Lafarge and Holcim said on Friday they were in advanced discussions over a possible merger of equals, but that no agreement had yet been reached.
"Lafarge and Holcim believe that ... there is rationale in considering a potential merger that could deliver significant benefits to customers, employees and shareholders," Lafarge said in a statement.
Read More Holcim revises down full-year cement sales forecast
Shares in both companies rose earlier following a report of a possible merger aimed at creating the worlds' largest cement company with a market value of more than $50 billion.
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