(AP) — Brazilian construction company Camargo Correa SA said Wednesday it paid €975 million ($1.35 billion) for a 22 percent stake in Portugal's largest cement company, Cimpor, which is already the target of a takeover bid by Brazilian steelmaker Companhia Siderurgica Nacional.

Camargo Correa, one of Brazil's largest construction businesses, said in a statement it bought almost 150 million Cimpor shares from Portugal's Teixeira Duarte at a price of €6.5 a share. Teixeira Duarte was Cimpor's largest shareholder.

Rio de Janeiro-based Companhia Siderurgica Nacional, which launched its takeover bid in December, is offering €5.75 a share. Cimpor's board rejected that bid, saying it was too low.

Brazilian conglomerate Votorantim has also expressed interest in Cimpor.

Camargo Correa said it wants to enter a partnership with Cimpor to build up its presence abroad.

Cimpor has business in 12 foreign countries, including Brazil, Spain, Egypt, South Africa, Turkey, India and China.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore. Credit: Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell

Out East Show: Milk Pail u-pick farm; Lenny Bruno Farms; McCall Wines; Jamesport Farm Brewery NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore. Credit: Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell

Out East Show: Milk Pail u-pick farm; Lenny Bruno Farms; McCall Wines; Jamesport Farm Brewery NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.

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