CRH plc and Holcim Ltd. are in separate talks to acquire a controlling stake in Shriram Group Pvt. Co.'s, unit Sree Jayajothi Cements Ltd., The Economic Times reported on January 03, 2012. The stake-sale discussions are still in the initial stages, two unidentified persons familiar with the development told the newspaper.

“We (Shriram EPC) have been on the lookout for a partner for quite some time, and we keep having several discussions with different players both strategic and financial,” Economic Times said quoting Shriram EPC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, T Shivaraman. However, "...at this point in time, I have nothing concrete to say. I will also not be able to comment on speculation about specific interests from Holcim or CRH," Shivaraman added.

Shriram Group has also sounded out Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and The Blackstone Group, Private Equity Group about the sale.