Ciments Francais H1 2004 turnover up, France

Ciments Francais, controlled by Italian cement producer and distributor Italcementi S.p.A., ended the first half of 2004 with a turnover of EUR1.52bn (US$1.864bn), a 7.1 per cent YoY increase.  At constant currency exchange rates, the increase would has been 9.5 per cent YoY. The company said it expects improved operating profit for 2004 versus 2003, excluding exceptional items. Ciments Francais’ activities were concentrated chiefly in France, the United States, Thailand and Bulgaria.

Ciments Francais posted a net profit of EUR22mfor the first quarter of 2004, compared to a net loss of EUR4m for the same period of 2003. Turnover for January to March 2004 stood at EUR666m.