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[October 2002]
Sales Growth for Lafarge
Sales recorded up to 30 September 2002 for Lafarge were up 15.2%, from 9.769 billion euro last year to 11.251 billion euro - including 1.712 billion euro due to scope of consolidation changes. This meant that sales were up 0.7% when excluding foreign exchange and scope of consolidation effects.
Sectoral analysis showed that Roofing sales actually came in 5.1% lower than at 30 September 2001: down 8% in Q1, down 2.2% in Q2 and down 5.9% in Q3. Sales in Europe declined, particularly in Germany in Q3, while in Asia sales continued to progress.
In other sectors, Cement sales were up 2.9%, Aggregates & Concrete sales were down 1.4% and Gypsum sales were up 8.4%.
Sales resulting from acquisitions amounted to 1.840 billion euro while disposals had a negative impact on sales of 128 million euro. A negative foreign exchange translation effect impacted sales denominated principally in the following currencies: US and Canadian dollar (136 million euro), Brazilian real (45 million euro) and South African rand (40 million euro).
In announcing its latest sales figures, the group took the opportunity to make a statement on its position vis-à-vis asbestos, as follows: "In the context of recent rumours, Lafarge Group confirms it has not received any claims related to the production or sale of products which would have contained asbestos either in North America or in the rest of the world".
Lafarge now employs 83,000 people in 75 countries and holds top-ranking positions in all four of its divisions. It posted total sales of 13.7 billion euro in 2001.
ENDS