Lafarge: Press releases

Lafarge strengthens its presence in Brazil following the sale of its Cimpor stake to Votorantim

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:04:18 GMT

Lafarge announces that it will receive Brazilian cement assets in exchange for the sale to Votorantim on February 3rd, 2010 of its 17.28% stake in the Portuguese Cimpor group. The terms of payment depended on the outcome of the public takeover bid for Cimpor.

With these assets, Lafarge becomes one of Brazil's top three cement operators with 7 million tonnes in a buoyant market averaging 5% annual growth.
Already active in Brazil with four plants and one grinding station, Lafarge will now be able to establish new positions in fast-growing regional markets in the Northeast and Midwest, while reinforcing its presence around Rio de Janeiro, which has bright prospects in preparation for the World Football Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016.

This acquisition, leveraged by Lafarge's synergies with existing positions and market growth, will have a positive impact on net earnings per share and ROCE as of 2010, and should increase Lafarge's EBITDA in Brazil by €85m as of 2011 and by more than €100m in 2012.

Through this transaction, Lafarge was able to unwind its minority stake in Cimpor while strengthening its position in Brazil, where Lafarge now has 1,200 employees and is active in its four business lines: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum.

The Brazilian competition authorities have been notified of the latest phase of the transaction between Lafarge and Votorantim.

Notes to editors

About Votorantim
Votorantim is one of the largest conglomerates in Latin America, operating in sectors such as cement and concrete, energy, steel, metals (aluminum, zinc and nickel), paper, orange juice and financial services, among others.
Votorantim Cimentos, the group's cement and concrete unit, ranks among the world's top ten manufacturers of cement, concrete and aggregates. It is the market leader in Brazil and also operates eight production units outside of the country: two in Canada, five in the United States and one in Bolivia (Puerto Suarez). Votorantim owns 15% of Chile's Cementos Bio Bio, and has a 38% stake in both Cementos Avellaneda in Argentina and Cementos Artigas S/A in Uruguay.
A family-controlled Brazilian company founded in 1918, Votorantim now operates in 16 countries.

About Lafarge

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With 78,000 employees in 78 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 15.8 billion in 2009.
In 2010 and for the sixth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

This document may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements do not constitute forecasts regarding the Company's results or any other performance indicator, but rather trends or targets, as the case may be. These statements are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, including, but not limited to the risks described in the Company's annual report available on its Internet website (www.lafarge.com). These statements do not reflect future performance of the Company, which may materially differ. The Company does not undertake to provide updates of these statements.
More comprehensive information about Lafarge may be obtained on its Internet website (www.lafarge.com).
This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy Lafarge shares.

The press release

Results as of December 31, 2009

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:39:29 GMT

Strong cash generation despite economic slowdown
Lafarge exceeded its action plan targets and reduced debt by €3.1Bn
The Group will benefit from 2010 increase in cement emerging markets demand

YEAR 2009 KEY FIGURES

Sales down 17% to €15,884m (-14% like-for-like)
Current operating income down 30% to €2,477m (-26% like-for-like)
Current operating income margin down 300 basis points to 15.6%
Net income Group share declined by 54% to €736m
Net earnings per share declined to €2.77(1)
Free cash flow improved 34% to €2,834m
Net debt reduced by €3,089m from year-end
Dividend of €2 per share, subject to AGM approval

(1) In line with IFRS requirements, the EPS has been adjusted to reflect the rights issue completed on April 28, 2009.

FOURTH-QUARTER KEY FIGURES

Sales down 22% to €3,641m (-11% like-for-like)
Current operating income down 34% to €494m (-27% like-for-like)
Current operating income margin down 260 basis points to 13.6%
Net income Group share declined to -€38m
Net earnings per share declined to -€0.13
Free cash flow increased 10% to €1,123m
Net debt reduced by €818m during the quarter

GROUP HIGHLIGHTS

Free cash flow of €2,834 million, a 34% improvement.
Sales down due to lower volumes, foreign exchange, and the scope of operations divested.
Volume declines slowed in the fourth quarter on a like-for-like basis, despite the impact of adverse weather conditions.
Emerging markets current operating income rose on a like-for-like basis, excluding Central & Eastern Europe.
Cement EBITDA margin remained resilient at over 30% for the year.
Exceeded action plan to strengthen financial structure:
- Cost reduction above commitment, achieving €230 million in structural savings.
- Capital expenditure reduced by over €1 billion to €1.6 billion.
- €919 million divestments.
- Working capital reduced by more than €1 billion.

BRUNO LAFONT, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF LAFARGE, SAID:

"In a challenging year, Lafarge has successfully completed the action plan designed to strengthen its financial structure announced in February 2009. We have achieved solid cash generation and significant cost savings that lowered debt and supported operating margins. These efforts will continue in 2010 through strict cash control and an additional €200 million target of structural cost savings. This will provide a lower cost base and an improved financial structure as the economic recovery begins to take hold.

Entering 2010, we anticipate overall cement demand will increase in Lafarge's markets. While mature markets are expected to recover slowly during the second half of the year, we see emerging markets providing solid growth potential. Our development program has already added cement capacity in these markets enabling Lafarge to capture this growth.
Lafarge's development in emerging markets, its promotion of innovative products, and its focus on cost reduction are strong foundations from which to benefit from the economic recovery and return to earnings growth."

The Board of Directors of Lafarge, chaired by Bruno Lafont, met on February 18, 2010 and approved the accounts for the period ended December 31, 2009.

The press release
The slides for the analyst presentation
The management report
The slides for the journalist presentation
The webcast

Lafarge announces the sale of its 17.28% stake in Cimpor to Votorantim

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:41:21 GMT

Lafarge has sold to Votorantim its 17.28% interest in Cimpor. The transaction will be completed in principle through an exchange of the Cimpor shares held by Lafarge for certain of Votorantim's assets in Brazil.

The value received by Lafarge for its stake will depend on the evolution of the outstanding tender offer for the Cimpor shares and on Votorantim's future decision about whether to keep the shares received as part of the exchange.

Thus, depending on the outcome of these events, Lafarge will receive either:

cement assets of Votorantim, located in regions complementing Lafarge's position in Brazil, and possibly additional assets or cash, depending on the final value offered for Cimpor

the proceeds from any successful offer to which Votorantim may choose to tender its Cimpor shares.

The execution of this transaction allows the Group to unlock the value of its minority interest position in Cimpor, while capturing the best offer available.

Notes to editors

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19.0 billion in 2008.
In 2010 and for the sixth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

The Votorantim Group is one of the largest industrial conglomerates in Latin America, operating in sectors such as cement and concrete, energy, steel, metals (aluminum, zinc and nickel), pulp and paper, orange juice, financial services, among others.
Votorantim Cimentos, the cement and concrete Unit of the Group, is one of the world's top ten manufacturers of cement, concrete and aggregates. In Brazil it is the market leader and operates eight production units outside Brazil, two in Canada, five in the United States and a unit in Bolivia (Puerto Suarez). Votorantim owns 15% of Chile's Cementos Bio Bio, and holds a 38% stake in both Cementos Avellaneda in Argentina and Cementos Artigas S/A in Uruguay. As a family-controlled Brazilian company founded in 1918, Votorantim now operates in 16 countries.

The press release

Denial

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:19:01 GMT

Lafarge denies the information provided today in the Portuguese press which reported that the Group had concluded an agreement to sell its participation of 17.3% in Cimpor to Camargo Corrêa.

NOTES TO EDITORS
Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.
In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

The press release

A study has ranked the Lafarge Internet website n°1 amongst French corporate websites for the second year running

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:27:18 GMT

The Swedish communication agency Hallvarsson & Halvarsson has recently published the ninth edition of its pan-European study on the Internet sites of 800 major companies. This study puts the Lafarge Internet site www.lafarge.com in the leading position out of 75 French sites under review, and in third position among all the web sites in the 'Construction & Materials' sector.

A wide-reaching study

H&H Webranking is an annual study carried out by the Swedish agency Hallvarsson & Halvarsson. This year, the study focused on Internet sites of the 800 companies located in 25 European countries with the strongest market capitalization, covering 28 fields of business. As such, it enables the agency to measure the relevance of Internet site content in relation to the expectations of stakeholders and to identify best practices.

In 2009, Lafarge was ranked n°1 among French sites for the second year running. The study places particular emphasis on the quality of the headings "Journalists" and "Job Candidates", which were ranked n°1 among French sites. The "Sustainable Development" section (n°2 in France) was also praised, highlighting the Group's goal of being transparent in its commitments and projects in terms of environment, health and safety and relationships with stakeholders.

Lafarge, leader in building materials and developing on the Web

This new distinction is a credit to the Lafarge Internet site that was launched in early 2008 after a full editorial and technological overhaul, aimed at offering Internet users a site that is attractive and high-performance as well as rich in content with practical features that are easy to use.

Every month, www.lafarge.com receives an average of 130 000 visitors, who are easily able to find out about the Group, its businesses and challenges through the site's 200 pages, which include case studies, themed search engines and even glossaries of technical terms. Many innovative tools are available such as registration for RSS feeds, podcasts, or social bookmarking (i.e. shared Favorites).

In addition, Lafarge is developing its presence in social media and uses its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/LafargeGroup), Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Lafarge) and Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/LafargeGroup) to give users interactive follow-up on the Group's breaking news, especially focusing on information given in real time, "live" photos and discussions with experts from the Group.

In 2008, Lafarge was already the first group in the CAC 40 to be identified for its efforts in terms of Internet site accessibility, by making it available for all Internet users, including people with disabilities, and regardless of hardware used. At that time, the Group received the "Silver" certification from the French label AccessiWeb and level A from the European label Euracert.

Notes to editors

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.
In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

The DailyMotion channel
The YouTube channel
The Twitter account
The press release
Lafarge on Facebook

Lafarge places a 750 million euro bond

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:12:29 GMT

Yesterday Lafarge placed, under its EMTN(1) program, a €750 million bond with a 10-year maturity and fixed annual coupon of 5.5%.

With this refinancing transaction, the Group further optimizes the maturity profile of its debt.

The settlement and issue of the bond is expected on December 16. BNP Paribas, Calyon, Citi, HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Société Générale acted as joint-lead managers and bookrunners for this bond issue.

(1) Euro Medium-Term Note program

NOTES TO EDITORS
Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses:
Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries,
Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.
In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable
Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places
innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offering of securities.

The press release

Settlement of a privately placed bond

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:52:32 GMT

A privately placed bond for a principal amount of €150 million with an 8-year maturity was settled on November 6.

This transaction contributes to the ongoing optimization of the maturity profile of the Group's debt.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.
In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World’. With the world’s leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offering of securities.

The press release

Results as of September 30, 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:26:10 GMT

Results continue to be impacted by economic slowdown.
Positive impact of emerging markets exposure on operating income.
Strong cash generation and strict cost control further reduce debt
and support margin resilience.

Year-to-Date Key Figures

Sales down 15% to €12,243m (-14% like-for-like)
Current operating income down 29% to €1,983m (-26% like-for-like)
Current operating income margin down 320 basis points to 16.2%
Net income Group share declined by 50% to €774m
Net earnings per share declined to €2.99
Free cash flow improves 57% to €1 711m
Net debt reduced by €2.3bn from year-end

Third-Quarter Key Figures

Sales down 20% to €4,252 (-16% like-for-like)
Current operating income down 28% to €852m (-22% like-for-like)
Current operating income margin down 220 basis points to 20.0%
Net income Group share declined by 38% to €404m
Net earnings per share declined to €1.42
Free cash flow down 13% to €836m
Net debt reduced by €775m during the quarter

Group Highlights

Sales impacted by lower volumes, foreign exchange and scope effect
Overall volume and margin declines eased in the third quarter
Emerging markets current operating income rose 19% YTD, excluding Central & Eastern Europe
Significant cost savings and control in capital expenditure achieved
Cement EBITDA margin remained strong at 34.8% in the quarter, stable with last year
Free cash flow improved by €620 million year-to-date, a 57% improvement
Net debt reduced by €3.2bn over the last twelve months

Bruno Lafont, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, said:

"The international economic slowdown showed early signs of stabilization in the third quarter. We anticipate volumes in mature markets may start to recover as of the second half of 2010.

The strength of our emerging markets, excluding Central and Eastern Europe, continue to favourably impact our results. We expect the strategic advantage that our geographical portfolio gives us to continue as we move into next year.

Lower debt and resilient operating margins have been achieved through strong cash generation and significant cost savings. These efforts will continue through cost cutting, limited capital expenditure, and improved working capital. Combined with our strategic initiatives in emerging markets and development of innovative products, these actions strengthen Lafarge and will further reinforce our leadership position as the world economy recovers."

The Board of Directors of Lafarge, chaired by Bruno Lafont, met on November 5, 2009 to approve the accounts for the period ended September 30, 2009.

The webcast
The slides for the analyst presentation
The press release
The management report

Lafarge and Bouygues Construction unveil a new generation of concretes to improve energy efficiency in buildings

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:01:16 GMT

Once again, Lafarge is innovating in concrete and has announced the launching of a new range of insulating ready-mix concretes: Thermedia™. The Group has brought its scientific expertise and associated its know-how with that of Bouygues Construction to develop and test this first new product in France: Thermedia 0.6 B. This concrete, intended for building envelope applications, represents an initial response to the demand for improved energy efficiency in buildings. Indeed, it introduces a new performance feature to concrete in construction systems conforming with the guidelines of the French Grenelle Environment Forum.

Thermedia 0.6 B is the product of four years of research in Lafarge's laboratories and, thanks to the partnership with Bouygues Construction, it has been possible to quickly deploy Thermedia 0.6 B in several social housing sites where the behavior of the material in the structure was observed and analyzed and its efficiency ensured.

Thermedia 0.6 B is made for the French market and meets an environmental and financial requirement. This concrete actively improves construction systems that integrate interior thermal insulation (ITI) by contributing to heat loss reductions through the building's envelope. This now affects 90% of apartment blocks built in France.

Thermedia 0.6 B: a technological feat for concrete with novel properties

Thermedia 0.6 B is a genuine scientific and technological feat. It is the only structural ready-mix concrete today capable of combining strength and lightness, mechanical performances and thermal properties. Thermedia 0.6 B's specific mix design, patented by Lafarge, divides its thermal conductivity by three compared to a standard concrete; this significantly limits heat losses in buildings.

Therefore, in cases of interior thermal insulation, this new concrete reduces the impact between building facades and intermediate floor by 35% in terms of thermal bridges. These results are the fruit of Lafarge's research laboratory that has worked on a novel concrete mix design resulting in a product 40% less dense than a standard concrete.

Thermedia 0.6 B is produced at a batching plant and then cast on-site; it requires no changes of building methods. Its fluidity and very good workability make it a material that is easy to use in traditional construction methods. Its intrinsic properties (mechanical, durability and shrinkage, as well as its fire behavior, acoustics and seismic strength) have already been tested and certified conforming with the NF EN 206-1 standard.

A partnership of skills

The common goal between Lafarge and Bouygues Construction is to innovate to improve energy efficiency in buildings. The French Grenelle Environment Forum and the implementation of more advanced thermal regulations is a current social-economic context that encourages manufacturers to provide solutions promoting energy savings. These two companies joined forces in this common goal and developed Thermedia 0.6 B.

Each partner brought its own skills at each stage of the project:

Lafarge mobilized a team of approximately 20 researchers to determine the mix design, providing the ideal balance between the thermal and structural requirements, then testing it in the laboratory and validating the properties of the material;
Bouygues Construction carried out building engineering studies, did the implementation tests, as well as the acceptance tests for all its characteristics.

A few years ago already, the ultra high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete, Ductal®, was launched; the successful outcome of an initial partnership between the two manufacturers.

Concrete: a material with endless properties

Concrete is the second product most consumed in the world. It is a mixture of cement, crushed stone (aggregates) and sand, to which water is added. This material, first designed and developed in the first century BC, has many qualities, notably in terms of strengths, durability, thermal inertia and sound insulation. The techniques and equipment developed over the past twenty years are at the origin of today's scientific comprehension at the nanoscale. This has revealed the high-tech nature of concrete in many respects.

Hence, Lafarge can meet the increasingly complex requirements of its customers by developing concretes with improved aesthetics and easier implementation procedures.

Additional information

More about Lafarge

Lafarge is the world leader in construction materials and has a leading market position in all its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. The Group employs over 84,000 persons in 79 countries; its turnover in 2008 was €19 billion.

In 2009, Lafarge was again on the list of the 100 most committed multinationals to sustainable development, for the fifth consecutive year. Equipped with the first research center for construction materials in the world, innovation is at the heart of Lafarge's business considerations, working for the benefit of sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

More about Bouygues Construction

Bouygues Construction is a world leader with high-ranking market positions in construction, public works and electricity/maintenance. It combines the power of a major group and the reactivity of a network of local businesses to provide their customers with innovating solutions in terms of the production, design, operations, maintenance and financing of structures and infrastructures. Bouygues Construction employs 53,700 persons in 60 countries; its turnover in 2008 was €9.5 billion.

The press release
The technical sheet: insulating concrete solutions - in French
The press kit: Innovative concretes

Lafarge launches a share capital increase reserved for the Group's employees

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:13:13 GMT

Lafarge announces a share capital increase reserved for the eligible employees of companies participating in the Lafarge Group Savings Plan.

This transaction, which is in line with the Group employees' shareholding development policy, will encompass approximately 60 countries (out of the 79 countries where Lafarge is present). It aims to associate employees even more closely with the Group's development and results and to strengthen the bond between Lafarge and its worldwide employees by allowing them to hold part of its share capital.

The subscription price for the shares has been fixed at 48.8 Euros. A maximum number of 5.75 million shares with a par value of 4 Euros will be issued as a result of the share capital increase. The subscription period will take place from October 15 until November 9, 2009, included. The settlement-delivery of the shares is expected to occur on December 11, 2009.

The new shares will carry entitlement to dividend as of January 1, 2009 and will be assimilated to the existing shares. The admission to trading of these shares on Euronext Paris SA market, on the same listing line as the existing shares, will be requested immediately after their issuance.

The shares subscribed by the employees will be blocked until December 10, 2014 (included), except occurrence of an early unblocking event.

Special note regarding the international offering

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase Lafarge SA shares. The offering of Lafarge SA shares reserved for employees will be conducted only in countries where such an offering has been registered with the competent local authorities and/or following the approval of a prospectus by the competent local authorities or in consideration of an exemption from the requirement to prepare a prospectus or register the offering. More generally, the offering will only be conducted in countries where all required filing procedures and/or notifications have been completed and the authorizations have been obtained. This press release is not destined for, and copies thereof should not be sent to, countries in which such a prospectus has not been approved or such an exemption is not available or where all of the required filing procedures and/or notifications have not been completed or where the authorizations have not been obtained.

The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and may only be offered or sold in the United States in transactions that are exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.

The present document constitutes the press release required pursuant to Articles 212-4 (paragraph 5) and 212-5 (paragraph 6) of the AMF's General Regulations and to Article 14 of Instruction n°2005-11 of December 13, 2005, published in the form of a press release in accordance with Article 221-3 of the AMF's General Regulations.

Notes to editors

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.

In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

Dokumente für Mitarbeiter in Österreich
The press release

Results as of June 30, 2009

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:03:13 GMT

Results impacted by economic slowdown.
Emerging markets exposure mitigates impact on operating income.
Strong cash generation, debt reduced by €2.3 Bn in the quarter.

First-half key figures

Sales down 12% to €7,991m
Current operating income down 30% to €1,131m
- Emerging markets up 24% to €876m excluding Central and Eastern Europe
Free Cash flow up €746m to €875m
Net debt reduced by €1,496m from year end
Net income Group share declined to €370m
Net earnings per share declined to €1.51

Second-quarter key figures

Sales down 14% to €4,362m
Current operating income down 28% to €796m
- Emerging markets up 21% to €482m excluding Central and Eastern Europe
Free Cash flow up €821m to €1,128m
Net debt reduced by €2,292m from first quarter
Net income Group share declined to €387m
Net earnings per share declined to €1.45(1)

(1) In line with IFRS requirements, the EPS has been adjusted to reflect the rights issue completed on April 28, 2009.

Group Highlights

Free cash flow improved by €746 million year-to-date
Net debt declined by €2,292 million in the second quarter
Lafarge continued to implement significant cash generation actions by reducing costs, improving working capital, and limiting capital expenditures.
The economic slowdown negatively impacted volumes and margins, particularly in developed markets, for both the quarter and year-to-date.
Lafarge benefited from the well-positioned geographic portfolio of its cement assets, including new plants started in 2008, recording strong operating income growth in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Prices remained overall in line with cost inflation.
Successful refinancing, eliminating debt covenant and extending the group's debt maturity profile

Bruno Lafont, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, said:

"Lafarge achieved a strong increase in cash generation in the first half of 2009, despite a decline in current operating income.

Our operational performance in reducing costs, sustaining capex, and improving working capital along with the benefit of our well-balanced geographic portfolio has enabled the Group to better weather the downturn. We have already made substantial progress in the action plan launched in February. Approximately €750 million in divestments have been secured to date, the €1.5 billion capital raising was finalized and debt refinancing has been completed on competitive terms. All these actions have reduced net debt, eliminating the related debt covenant and have extended the group's debt maturity profile.

Although some positive signals start to be seen, our priority is to continue to successfully implement our action plan, and to be flexible in responding to the challenging market trends. The effects of our operational improvements in combination with our focus on innovative products and development projects will enable us to continue to lead the sector at the time of the economic recovery."

The Board of Directors of Lafarge, chaired by Bruno Lafont, met on July 30, 2009 to approve the accounts for the period ended June 30, 2009.

The presentation slides for the analysts
The audiocast
The press release
The management report

Disposal of cement, concrete and aggregates assets in Chile.
€750 M of divestments achieved out of a total 2009 target of €1 bn.

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:03:09 GMT

Lafarge announces the sale of its Chilean cement, aggregates and concrete assets to the Peruvian Brescia Group for US$555 million enterprise value, equal to 7.4 times the 2008 EBITDA. Lafarge owns 84% of these assets. The transaction is part of Lafarge's global divestment plan.

Lafarge has been present in the Chilean market with cement, concrete and aggregates activities since 2001 through two entities: Lafarge Chile SA and Immobiliaria San Patricio. The assets sold include the La Calera cement plant, which is located around 100km from the capital Santiago and has capacity of 1.5 million tonnes, along with the Puerto Montt grinding station in southern Chile, which has a total capacity of 300,000 tonnes. A second grinding station is currently being built in Ventanas. Lafarge is also selling 54 ready-mix concrete units, 5 aggregates quarries, an import terminal and a mortar production unit.

Lafarge Chile SA and Immobiliaria San Patricio are listed on the Santiago stock exchange.

The sale of Lafarge's stake in both these entities will be effective on August 31st at the latest, following the launch of the public tender to buy out the minority interests by the buyer for Lafarge Chile SA.

Lafarge's minority participation in its Chilean gypsum activities is not included in this sale.

Lafarge on track with its divestment plan

This transaction is part of Lafarge's announced 2009 €1 billion divestment program.

In addition to the divestment announced on the 4th of May, Lafarge has sold assets in its three business lines, including asphalt activities in Canada and the USA, aggregates and concrete operations in Europe and North America and its last Turkish cement plant.

The Group has already achieved 3/4 of its 2009 divestment target: €750 million out of the €1 billion target announced in February 2009.

Notes to editors

Brescia Group is one of largest business conglomerates from Peru. The group owns worldwide companies like TASA the first fishmeal producer with 6% of world demand. Its mining company Minsur is the third largest world producer of tin and has operations in Peru and Brazil. Its Peruvian hotel corporation, Libertador, is the first premium hotels chain in the country and has operational agreements with the international Starwood. On this year they have more than US$100 million on new luxury hotels to be open during 2009 and 2010.
Brescia Group owns real estate companies which build and manage shopping centers, office buildings, retail stores, and sell urban and residential properties. The group owns over 2 million ft2 of rentable area and approximately 1.5 million ft2 in land area, mainly in the city of Lima. With BBVA from Spain (50%), it owns Banco BBVA Continental, which is the second largest bank in Perú and the largest Pension Funds Administrator. The group is also the owner of Rimac seguros, the first insurance company in the country and many other important enterprises on agriculture, fruit exports, welding, explosives, paint and chemicals, health, construction and other services.

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.
In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

The press release

Lafarge places a 750 Million Euro Bond

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:56:40 GMT

Today Lafarge placed, under its EMTN(1) program, a €750 million bond with a 7-year and 5-month maturity and fixed annual coupon of 7.625%.
With this transaction, the Group pursues its optimization of the maturity profile of the Group's debt, refinancing shorter term bank facilities.
The settlement and issue of the bond is expected on June 24. BNP Paribas, Calyon, Citi, HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Société Générale acted as joint-lead managers and bookrunners for this bond issue.

Notes to editors
Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.
In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offering of securities.

(1) Euro Medium-Term Note program

The press release

Lafarge and CARE sign a three-year partnership agreement

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:40:33 GMT

Lafarge and CARE announce their new partnership, which is a three-year agreement. For this occasion, a press conference was held today, in the presence of Arielle de Rothschild, Chair of CARE France, and Bruno Lafont, Chairman and CEO of Lafarge.

A partnership that transcends the CSR discussion

Lafarge, a leader in its field, is established on every continent, with 2,200 production sites. The company is conscious of the impact of its activities and has committed to integrate itself on a long-term basis within local communities around its sites and to contribute to their economic and social development. The signing of international agreements with civil society organisations is one of the ways to achieve this objective.

CARE is one of the most important NGOs in terms of international solidarity and is established in 70 countries. Convinced that the private sector "can also be part of the solution", CARE provides its expertise to companies active in countries of the South so that together they can put their energies to good use for the benefit of the most vulnerable populations.

An initial partnership was signed between Lafarge and CARE in 2003 for a five-year period, on the subject of the battle against HIV/AIDS. This co-operation has helped to create an effective and recognised health programme, which now enables all Lafarge employees in Africa, and often their local communities, to have free and anonymous access to HIV prevention, tests and treatment.

Three subjects on which the new partnership is working

In signing a new partnership with CARE, Lafarge, which has been working for many years on the subject of health in Africa, is extending its commitment in the field of health whilst opening two ambitious new projects aimed at strengthening the Group's contribution to local economic and social development. Lafarge and CARE have therefore chosen to work together on the following three programs:

Distribution to other countries of the know-how developed by Lafarge in terms of programs to combat HIV and malaria, today mainly implemented in Africa;
Development of a system to assess the social and economic impact on local communities of actions carried out by Lafarge in emerging countries, in order to get a picture and to draw lessons from the programs in place and to define a long-term strategic action plan;
Launch of a programme aimed at helping poor people in emerging countries to have a higher quality of housing. A pilot initiative meeting this objective is about to be launched in Indonesia; its working platform will be the development of access to microcredit for improving their housing and the training of masons in partnership with local organisations.

About CARE

CARE is an international solidarity association, which assists with development and in times of emergency. Whether it is microfinance, education, the battle against AIDS, access to drinking water and sanitation, the environment or economic development programmes, CARE fights all causes of poverty for 55 million people in more than 70 countries each year. CARE prioritises the central role played by women, the first victims of poverty, in implementing its programmes.
For further information, go to the website at: www.carefrance.org

About Lafarge

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.
In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

The press kit
The press release

Lafarge places a 350 million pound sterling bond and privately a 250 million euro bond

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:30:25 GMT

Today Lafarge placed two bonds in separate operations. Under its EMTN(1) program, the Group placed a £350 million bond with an 8-year maturity and fixed annual coupon of 8.75%. In addition, the Group privately placed a bond for a principal amount of €250 million with an 8-year maturity.

These transactions, completed at a competitive yield, contribute to the ongoing optimization of the maturity profile of the Group's debt. In combination with yesterday's announced 1 billion euro bond, the proceeds will further improve the liquidity of the Group and fully repay the tranche A2 Orascom facility, thus eliminating the related covenant.

The settlement and issue of the pound sterling bond is expected on May 29. Barclays, HSBC and RBS acted as joint-lead managers and bookrunners for this bond issue.

Notes to editors

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.
In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

(1) Euro Medium-Term Loan program

The press release

Lafarge placed a 1 billion euro bond

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:28:32 GMT

Today Lafarge successfully placed a €1 billion bond with a 5-year maturity and fixed annual coupon of 7.625% under its EMTN program.

This operation has been completed rapidly at a competitive yield, reflecting the high demand and quality of the book.

Placement was made across a diversified investor base, mainly in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Belgium. The settlement and issue of the bond are expected on May 27.

BNP Paribas, Calyon, Citi, HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Société Générale acted as joint-lead managers and bookrunners for this bond issue.

Notes to editors
Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.
In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offering of securities.

The press release

Lafarge inaugurates a new production line in its Otavalo cement plant, Ecuador

Fri, 15 May 2009 07:27:10 GMT

Lafarge is pursuing its strategy of internal growth in high-potential markets with a new production line in its Otalavo cement plant, in the province of Imbabura, 110 km north of the capital city Quito.

Inaugurated on May 14th by Mr. Bruno Lafont, Chairman and CEO of Lafarge, with Mr. Xavier Abad, Minister of Industry, the extension of the Otavalo cement plant was carried out in a record time of 18 months.

It represents an investment of US$ 120M and doubles the cement production capacity of Lafarge in Ecuador, which now reaches 1.6 million tonnes per year. The new production line is operational since the beginning of the year. It is equipped with the latest technology and meets the Group's most stringent international standards for quality and environmental protection.

Located in an altitude of 2800 meters, this cement plant is the highest of the Group and supplies one of the country's most dynamic regions. The extension will meet the demand for cement on the Ecuadorian market, which has been strong for several years.

Lafarge in Ecuador

Lafarge operates in the Ecuadorian market since the end of 2004 following the acquisition of Cementos Selva. The Group owns a cement plant with a capacity of 1.6 MT per year, located in Otavalo in the Imbabura province. Lafarge employs 300 people.

Notes to editors

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With more than 84,000 employees in 79 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 19 billion in 2008.
In 2009 and for the fifth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

The press release

Lafarge inaugurates a new cement plant in Nigeria

Thu, 14 May 2009 07:50:46 GMT

Unicem, a joint venture of Lafarge (28%), Holcim (28%), Dangote (22%) and Flour Mills (22%) inaugurated on May 12 its new cement plant at Mfamosing, in Cross River State, Nigeria, in the presence of the Minister of Trade and Industry of Nigeria.

Located less than one hundred kilometers south-east of Calabar, capital of Cross River State, the new plant has a capacity of 2.5 million tons of cement. It has been built by the consortium FLS / OIC on behalf of Unicem.

Operational since February 2009, it is equipped with the latest technology and meets the environmental standards applied by Lafarge.

Intended to supply the south-east of Nigeria, from Calabar to Port Harcourt, this cement plant is one of the largest which supplies one of the country's most dynamic regions. It directly employs about 800 people and makes Unicem the third player from Nigeria cement market, which has been strong for several years.

Lafarge in Nigeria

Lafarge is present in Nigeria through the acquisition of Blue Circle in 2001. The Group has three cement plants with a total capacity 3,5 MT per year, located in Shagamu and Ewekoro in the region of Lagos and Ashak in the north. Lafarge employs about 2000 people. The Group entered the capital Unicem, which it holds 28%, following the acquisition of Orascom Cement in January 2008.

Notes to editors

The press release

Annual General Meeting of shareholders

Wed, 06 May 2009 13:08:16 GMT

The Mixed Annual General Meeting of Lafarge shareholders, which was held in Paris on May 6, 2009 under the chairmanship of Bruno Lafont, approved the 2008 financial statements.

Despite the global economic downturn in the fourth quarter, the Group closed the year 2008 with record-high results and successfully integrated the Orascom Cement operations with its low cost production in growing markets.

For shares entitled to a dividend of €2 per share approved by the Annual General Meeting, the dividend will be paid on July 6, 2009 (with an ex-dividend date on July 1st 2009).

All 27 resolutions put forth before the shareholders were approved.

Results of the vote will be available on the Lafarge website (www.lafarge.com).

Notes to editors

The slides for the presentation
The voting results of the resolutions - in French
The webcast
The press release

First Quarter results as at March 31, 2009

Wed, 06 May 2009 03:51:59 GMT

Results impacted by economic slowdown and adverse weather conditions.
Solid Growth in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Significant actions accomplished on the announced €4.5 Bn program to strengthen the Company's financial structure.

Key figures for the first quarter reflect impact of lower volumes

Sales down 9% from €4,000 m to €3,629 m
Current operating income down 35% from €512 m to €335 m
Emerging markets current operating income up from €385 m to €406 m
Developed markets current operating income down from €127 m to a loss of €71 m
Net income Group share declined from €150 m to a loss of €17 m
Earnings per share (1) declined to a loss of €0.08

(1) Adjusted to reflect the rights issue completed on April 28

Highlights for the first quarter of 2009

First quarter results reflect seasonality, traditionally leading to low net results, historically not indicative for the full year or other quarters.
The economic slowdown and worse weather conditions negatively impacted volumes and margins.
The organization continues to proactively implement forceful actions to increase cash flow.
Lafarge benefited from its diverse geographic portfolio of cement assets, recording volume growth in the Middle East of 17%, in Africa of 9%, and in Asia of 7%.
Cement Ebitda margin was stable at 24.5%, reflecting strong cost control.
Prices remained firm overall, in line with cost inflation.

Significant progress on announced €4.5 Bn program to strengthen financial structure

The Group successfully completed the €1.5 Bn capital raising launched in April 2009. Proceeds have been used to reduce the A1 and A2 tranches of the Orascom credit facility. The outstanding balance of tranche A2 is expected to be repaid prior to the end of June 2009, with the availability of the €1 Bn new credit line, eliminating the related debt covenant.
Lafarge's €400 million announced cost saving program through 2011 being rapidly implemented.
Divestments announced of above €230 million out of the €1 Bn program in 2009.
Sustaining capital expenditures strongly reduced.
Overall, Lafarge on track with its €3.5 Bn in debt reduction actions.

Outlook for 2009

The high degree of uncertainty in the global economy and the challenge of establishing trends in the first quarter due to seasonality make forecasting difficult. As part of looking at various economic indicators, the outlook on volumes has been updated from our last forecast due to further weakening of conditions in Western and Eastern Europe. For 2009, cement volumes in Lafarge's markets are expected to be down -2 to -5% overall, with significant contrasts between markets. Pricing is expected to remain firm overall, although the lower volumes will pressure operating margins.With regards to stimulus plans, the government actions taken and the large focus on infrastructure spending will have a positive impact on our markets. Although positive signs are already seen in China for 2009, it is in 2010 when most stimulus plans should have a significant impact in our markets.

The slides for the analysts presentation
The press release
The management report
The audiocast

Lafarge: Press releases

Lafarge strengthens its presence in Brazil following the sale of its Cimpor stake to Votorantim

Results as of December 31, 2009

Lafarge announces the sale of its 17.28% stake in Cimpor to Votorantim

Denial

A study has ranked the Lafarge Internet website n°1 amongst French corporate websites for the second year running

Lafarge places a 750 million euro bond

Settlement of a privately placed bond

Results as of September 30, 2009

Lafarge and Bouygues Construction unveil a new generation of concretes to improve energy efficiency in buildings

Lafarge launches a share capital increase reserved for the Group's employees

Results as of June 30, 2009

Disposal of cement, concrete and aggregates assets in Chile. €750 M of divestments achieved out of a total 2009 target of €1 bn.

Lafarge places a 750 Million Euro Bond

Lafarge and CARE sign a three-year partnership agreement

Lafarge places a 350 million pound sterling bond and privately a 250 million euro bond

Lafarge placed a 1 billion euro bond

Lafarge inaugurates a new production line in its Otavalo cement plant, Ecuador

Lafarge inaugurates a new cement plant in Nigeria

Annual General Meeting of shareholders

First Quarter results as at March 31, 2009

Disposal of cement, concrete and aggregates assets in Chile.
€750 M of divestments achieved out of a total 2009 target of €1 bn.