Vicat: solid performance in a mixed environment
First half 2010 consolidated sales at French-based Vicat were €985m, up 2.4% compared with the corresponding period of 2009. At constant scope and exchange rates, sales were virtually stable (-0.7 per cent).
Over the same period, sales for the cement activity held up better, recording a rise of 0.5% at constant scope and exchange rates, while Concrete & Aggregates and Other Products & Services reported sales declines of two and 1.7 per cent respectively at constant scope and exchange rates.
The sales breakdown between the various Group activities during the first half again shows a slight increase of the cement contribution, which now represents 52.0% of consolidated sales compared with 51.1% at 30 June 2009, at the expense of Concrete & Aggregates (34.9% of consolidated sales compared with 35.8% at 30 June 2009). Other Products & Services remain stable (13.1% of consolidated sales at 30 June 2010 and at 30 June 2009).
The group said that the sales trend in the first half of 2010 reflects the impact of very poor weather conditions (particularly in Europe and the United States) in the first quarter of 2010 and still difficult market conditions, notably in California and Italy.
Group’s sales in Egypt returned to growth in the second quarter, after a first quarter marked by a number of non-recurrent events. In addition, the second quarter confirmed the solidity of the Swiss and West African markets, as well as the strong sales recovery in Turkey.
In March 2010 the Group observed a significant sales recovery in France and the southeast of the United States.
Published under Cement News
