Three of the world's largest cement manufacturers have been chosen as potential purchasers of Indian's top cement firm L&T - LARSEN & TTOURBO. They are France's LAFARGE, Switzerland's HOLDERBANK and Mexico's CEMEX. The three groups are currently examining the Indian company's accounts before making their bids. The taker should be chosen within two months. L&T decided last year to rid itself of its cement business, as unprofitable, to set up an independent company and sell 25% of the capital to a strategic partner. Analysts estimate the value of the new company at $2 bn, amount reduced to between 1 and 1.2 bn given the company's debts. On that basis, the price for a 25% stake would be between $250 and 300 million.