Lafarge sales rise 17% in ‘year of transformation’

The company said highlights for the year included the buyout of its minority interests in Lafarge North America and the sale of the roofing business for £1.6bn.

Lafarge is predicting strong demand for cement, aggregates and concrete in the coming year, but expects energy and logistic costs to rise further.

A statement from the firm said: “2006 was a year of transformation for Lafarge, with the Lafarge North America minority buy-out, the Roofing divestment and the rapid roll-out of our strategic plan Excellence 2008.

“We saw a strong increase in our results, with positive trends in our markets, strong organic growth and tighter cost controls.”