Shareholders & Investors

The annual general meeting was held on May 6th 2010 in Paris, chaired by Bruno Lafont.

2009 was a challenging year. In a context of sharp economic slowdown, Lafarge demonstrated its responsiveness and its solidity. The Group's flexibility, its diverse geographical portfolio and its focus on innovation mean that it has kept to its action plan of 3.5 billion-euro debt reduction while pursuing the 42 million-tons internal development program.

All of the nine resolutions submitted for the shareholders' vote were approved. In particular, the meeting appointed two new independent directors, Colette Lewiner and Véronique Weill, and approved allocation of a €2 euro dividend per share and a preferential dividend of €2.20 per share for July 6th 2010.

People development and evolution inside the Group is one of Lafarge's operational priorities. That is why the Group considers training as a long term investment.

Maruti, in India, explains the importance of growing markets and how employees can become fully involved in the Group's successes.

Safety is Lafarge's number 1 priority, whose aim is to reach a number of 0 accidents in a maximum of its plants and sites.

Saïd, in Morocco, describes these ongoing challenges of maintaining safety and involving all employees.

Lafarge's innovative products such as Thermedia®, Agilia®, Chronolia®, Extensia® add real value to the Group. They enable it to be a step ahead and to distinguish itself from competitors.

Read Patrice's testimony, an employee in France, who takes part in developing new products adapted to tomorrow's construction methods.

Reducing costs and generating more cash is one of Lafarge's operational priorities, including for plants. Using alternative fuels, which are more environmentally friendly than traditional fuels, is also a challenge for cement plants. John, in the United States, discusses his experience.

Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its strategy. To respond to sustainable construction challenges, the Group relies on developing new technical solutions both aesthetic and environmentally friendly.

Isabelle, a researcher in France, tells her story and her passion within the Group.