We are proposing a stock-for-stock, tax-free transaction, in which each outstanding share of Vulcan common stock would be exchanged for 0.50 shares of Martin Marietta common stock. This exchange ratio represents a premium for Vulcan shareholders of 15% to the average exchange ratio based on closing share prices for Vulcan and Martin Marietta during the 10-day period ended December 9, 2011 and 18% to the average exchange ratio based on closing share prices for Vulcan and Martin Marietta during the 30-day period ended December 9, 2011.

We are proposing a combined company board, with you as Chairman of the Board.

We are proposing a senior management team that would consist of me as President and Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders from each organization based on a “best athlete” approach.

We are proposing to maintain a major presence in Birmingham.

We are proposing to change the name of the combined company to reflect the names of each of our respective organizations.

Substantial Cost Synergies. We anticipate significant cost synergies ranging from $200 million to $250 million, derived from a combination of operating efficiencies and elimination of duplicate functions. These are savings that would benefit all shareholders and customers of the combined company. Vulcan’s shareholders would participate in the value created by these synergies as well as best-in-class financial performance. In addressing cost synergies, your Board and shareholders should be aware that we are using our estimates, which are realistic and achievable under our disciplined and responsible cost management philosophy, and are quite a bit higher than your estimates of synergies. We believe our consistent cost management leadership within our industry underscores the credibility of our estimates. For example, from 2007 to the third quarter of 2011, Martin Marietta’s SG&A as a percent of revenue has declined from 8.0% to 7.9%, while Vulcan’s has increased from 9.3% to 12.0%.

Complementary Geographic Footprints / Global Aggregates Leader. The combination of complementary geographic footprints will create a U.S.-based company that is the clear global leader in aggregates, and will result in a company that can deliver enhanced product offerings and service to customers. The combined company would have an outstanding asset base that will create value for its shareholders over both the short and long term. Among other things, greatly increased scale provides a broader set of opportunities for organic and inorganic growth. From our understanding of the market, it is fair to say that any asset dispositions necessary to support regulatory approvals could be readily accomplished on a fast timeline given the likely interest from various buyers. Moreover, our recent asset swap that resulted in the disposition of our River assets reduces regulatory concerns.

Strong Financial Position. The combined company will have a significantly stronger balance sheet than Vulcan currently possesses. The combined company’s net debt would be 5.6x combined LTM adjusted EBITDA, excluding synergies, and 4.1x – 4.3x combined LTM adjusted EBITDA, including synergies of $200 million – $250 million, as of September 30, 2011, relative to Vulcan’s net debt of 8.9x LTM adjusted EBITDA, as of the same date. This would help Vulcan to achieve one of its core objectives – enhanced financial flexibility through deleveraging. We expect the combined company credit rating to be higher than Vulcan’s is at present.

Improved Cash Flows / Meaningful Dividend. Finally, because the proposed transaction is being structured as a tax-efficient, stock-for-stock transaction, the combined company will have significant cash flow, giving it the ability to pay a meaningful quarterly cash dividend. Indeed, it is our objective to maintain the dividend at Martin Marietta’s current rate ($1.60 per Martin Marietta share annually, equivalent to $0.80 per Vulcan share annually, based on the proposed exchange ratio). In light of Vulcan’s recent decrease in its dividend (to $0.04 per Vulcan share annually), we believe Vulcan’s shareholders will find this aspect of the proposal attractive.

We are providing you with a proposed transaction agreement that sets forth in additional detail the terms described in this proposal letter.

We are commencing a first-step exchange offer, reflecting the same exchange ratio as provided in the transaction agreement. This exchange offer, subject to the conditions specified therein, will give Vulcan shareholders the opportunity to exchange their shares at the earliest time for Martin Marietta shares.

We are advising you of Martin Marietta’s intention to submit the names of five nominees (the “Nominees”) for election as independent directors at Vulcan’s 2012 Annual Meeting, and accordingly are requesting from Vulcan’s Secretary the written questionnaire, and the written representation and agreement, referenced in Section 1.05 of Vulcan’s By-Laws.

Earlier today, Martin Marietta commenced a lawsuit in Delaware Chancery Court and in New Jersey state court in furtherance of its effort to ensure that Vulcan’s shareholders have the opportunity to assess directly Martin Marietta’s proposal.