Mr Berlusconi's spokesman explained that he could not after all be there as he had to lay the first stone for a high-speed train-bridge and then meet the Bulgarian foreign minister.
But the combination of two good companies is not always a good thing and when they bridge separate segments of an industry the results rarely meet the expectations of the acquirer.
The former Glynn Webb DIY building at Chandlers Wharf is to make way for a redesigned road junction where Bridge Road, Riverside, 1825 Way and the Churchyard Link Road meet.
The London Cycling Campaign - one of the backers of the Blackfriars Bridge flashride - has been arguing for a 20mph limit at Blackfriars to reduce road danger and help meet the mayor's aspirations to turn London into a cycling city.