Heidelberg  Materials AG a German building-materials firm is in talks with banks to appoint financial advisers as it considers a bid for top South African cement maker PPC Ltd., according to emerging information.

The German building-materials firm already has a presence especially in West Africa and wants to expand on the continent, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private.

Heidelberg is weighing a complete acquisition of the 134-year-old Africa-focused cement maker, they said.