Vulcan Materials Co., Birmingham, Ala., completed its friendly, nine-month takeover of Florida Rock Industries in mid November, citing a final transaction value of about $4.2 billion. Shortly after the deal's closing former Florida Rock President and CEO John D. Baker II was elected a Vulcan director. “John Baker brings our board nearly four decades of construction materials industry experience,” says Vulcan Chairman and CEO Don James. “We look forward to having the benefit of his counsel as we move forward as a larger, faster-growing and more regionally diverse company.”

In addition to the board post, Baker has transitioned to head Vulcan's new Florida Rock Division, encompassing the two companies' combined Sunshine State aggregate, concrete and cement assets. Florida Rock assets outside its home state are being integrated with existing Vulcan divisions.