MILAN (S&P Global Ratings) July 29, 2021--HeidelbergCement's decision to pursue a share buyback program is in line with its financial policy and capital allocation strategy and will not affect its credit quality, said S&P Global Ratings today. The company announced the program on July 28. We understand that the share buybacks would be carried out in several tranches, the first for €300 million-€350 million and to be completed by January 2022 at the latest. We also understand that HeidelbergCement intends to hold the acquired shares as treasury shares for the time being, and that the company reserves the right to interrupt or discontinue the share buyback program at any time. The program is in line with the company's financial policy