Hanson, the UK-listed builders merchant, has been mentioned as a bid target for Lafarge, its French rival. However, people close to Lafarge have downplayed the talk. Lafarge, which is listed in France, could offer up to £6bn for Hanson. Holcim, the listed Swiss cement company is also a potential bidder for Hanson. Cemex, the listed Mexican concrete company, has been tipped as a potential bidder as well. There could be concerns about legal claims against Hanson regarding asbestos. There are also rumours regarding a potential demerger of the group's US divisions. Hanson has a market capitalization of £5.36bn.