The Italian group BUZZI UNICEM (1.33 bn euro turnover in 2000, with an annual production capacity of 15 million tonnes) has announced an alliance with the German firm DYCKERHOFF (2.45 bn euro turnover in 2000 with an annual production capacity of 28 million tonnes) so as to take, end-2001, a stake of between 30 and 35% in the group, for between 500 and 550 million euro.