The Vicat Group, present in seven countries, manufactures cement, produces ready-mixed concrete and aggregates, and has other interests in related activities. It was founded in 1853 by Joseph Vicat, whose father invented artificial cement.

Supported by Vicat and a major shareholder in the Group, HeidelbergCement sold off its entire 35% stake in the company. Close to 10% of the company’s share capital was re-acquired by the company and the family holding companies. The share was set at €86 and the total proceeds of the sale amounted to €1.4bn of which €926m came from the market sale.

This offering was done by way of both a private placement aimed at institutional investors inside and outside France and a public offering in France. As a result of this transaction, the free-float rose from 5.1% to 28.1% of the share capital.

On this particular roadshow a substantial proportion of investors did not allow the presence of bankers and sales. Consequently, Media Tree played a pivotal role in the flow of information between the banks, their syndicate desks and the clients. As well as executing the roadshow and organising the analyst presentation, Media Tree was mandated to upgrade and programme the slides for both the analyst presentation and the roadshow.