A decision on the sale of Lafarge’s gypsum unit will not be taken before the back-to-school season in September, the head of the division told Reuters.

The business, reportedly valued at around EUR800m, has attracted around 10 serious bid candidates, Olivier Guilluy said.

"In principle there will be no decision before the back-to-school season (in September)," he said. A price has not yet been set for the division, he added.