Derived benefits from the economic integration process in the international business expansion: CEMEX case

CEMEX is the leader cement company in Mexico and the strategic expansion through the international agreements. The secret to the Mexican IB through the multiple acquisition and standardization. How does NAFTA, MERCOSUR, EUROPEAN UNION where the main road for foreign investment with all their benefits and limits for the Infrastructure industry and development for emerging economies.

1. Who is CEMEX?
CEMEX is a leading global material for the construction industry providing high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in America, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia. Its operations network produces, distributes and markets cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates and related products in over 50 countries, while maintaining business relationships in over 100 countries. The company was founded in Mexico in 1906 and has since gone from having a local presence to become one of the leading global companies in the industry, with nearly 47,000 employees worldwide. CEMEX continuously looks to benefit those it serves through the constant search for innovative solutions for industry, efficiency improvements and to promote a sustainable future. Fig. 1.- CEMEX have presence in over 50 countries around the world [pic] Source: www.cemex.com/CEMEX_AR2009

1. Strategic Expansion

Two events marked the beginning of what would be CEMEX: the import substitution policy implemented by the various Mexican leaders during most of the twentieth century, and a growth strategy based on the acquisition and integration of national competitors. But at the end of the 80s, as a condition for access to the GATT and in preparation for the establishment of free trade in North America (NAFTA), the Mexican government began opening the country to international trade and FDI. Large companies from developed countries threatened to outperform CEMEX in its