Following long running speculation of a link-up between German-based Viag AG & Alusuisse-Lonza Group AG of Switzerland, the boards of both companies have agreed to propose a "merger of equals"to shareholders, resulting in a diversified industrial conglomerate with headquarters in Munich & executive offices in Munich & Zurich. Both groups expect that the combined company, yet to be named, will significantly enhance value creation in its industrial operations, including packaging, chemicals & alumina products. Alusuisse-Lonza is the parent company of German alumina tihydrate & calcined and tabular alumina giant, Martinswerk GmbH, and supplies its subsidiary with raw materials from its mining operations in Austraia, Africa & S America. The new structure will see a combination of Alusuisse's aluminium business with Viag's VAW unit.
