Lafarge

Lafarge will acquire the Cipasa and Aratu plants in the North East of Brazil and the Cocalzinho works in Mid-Western Brazil from Votorantim. The concluded agreement between Votorantim and Lafarge also cover the supply of slag and clinker to Lafarge by Votorantim. Payment is in the form of the transfer of Lafarge's 17.3 per cent stake in Cimpor, which has been transferred to Votorantim. Lafarge is additionally investing some US$34m in its five existing cement works in Brazil to improve and modernise production at those plants. The deal is scheduled for completion in July, subject to official approval.

Lafarge WAPCO in Nigeria reported a 5.4 per cent increase in turnover to NGN45.5bn (€225m) and a pre-tax profit that was down by 30 per cent to NGN8.96bn (€44.3m).