The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is considering extending the deadline to submit applications for cement licences to end-June from the originally-scheduled 31 May 2016. The date change comes in light of six cement companies forming consortia to bid for licences and requiring more time to submit offers. This is the second extension; the deadline was first pushed back from 10 May to 31 May for the 14 licences being offered. Winning bidders are expected to be announced within 60 days from the deadline. The value of the licence was not revealed in the conditions booklet, with applicants able to make offers for up to two licences. (Al Borsa)