Clearances from competition authorities

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO THE SAME WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

Recommended acquisition of Hanson PLC

In relation to the recommended acquisition of Hanson PLC (“Hanson”) by Lehigh UK Limited (”Lehigh”), a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of HeidelbergCement AG (“HeidelbergCement”), HeidelbergCement announces that the Regulatory Approvals sought by the HeidelbergCement Group and the Hanson Group, as outlined in the circular posted to shareholders on June 25, 2007, have been obtained.

These include clearances from the European Commission under the EC Merger Regulation and in respect of filings under the US Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, the Canadian Competition Act and the Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act.

The expected timetable remains as follows:

August 20, 2007	Court Hearing Date (to sanction the Scheme)
August 22, 2007	Last day of dealings in, and for registration of transfers of, Hanson Shares
August 23, 2007	Court Hearing Date (to approve the Reduction of Capital)
August 24, 2007	Effective Date of the Scheme

Lehigh is required under the terms of the Scheme to despatch the consideration pursuant to the Scheme not more than 14 days after the Effective Date.

Capitalised terms used, but not defined, in this announcement have the same meaning given to them in the circular posted to shareholders of Hanson on June 25, 2007.