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{{short description|French industrial company}} {{short description|French industrial company}}{{Update|date=August 2023}}{{Infobox company
| name = Lafarge
{{Infobox company
| name = Lafarge S.A. | logo = Lafarge.svg
| type = ]
| logo = Lafarge.svg
| fate =
| type = ]
| successor =
| fate = Merged with ]
| defunct =
| successor = ]
| foundation = {{start date|1833}}
| parent =
| founder = Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge
| foundation = {{start date and age|1833}}
| location = ], ]
| founder = Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge
| key_people = ] <small>(] and ])</small>
| location = ], France
| industry = ]
| key_people = ] <small>(] and ])</small>
| products = ], Construction aggregates, asphalt production and ]
| industry = ]
| traded_as =
| products = ], Construction aggregates, asphalt production and ]
| revenue = ]12.843 billion <small>(2014)</small><ref name="AR2014">{{cite web |url=http://www.lafarge.com/sites/default/files/atoms/files/03232015-press_publication-2014_annual_report-uk.pdf |title=Annual Report 2014 |publisher=Lafarge |access-date=2015-04-23 |archive-date=2015-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417051907/http://www.lafarge.com/sites/default/files/atoms/files/03232015-press_publication-2014_annual_report-uk.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| traded_as =
| revenue = ]12.843 billion <small>(2014)</small><ref name="AR2014">{{cite web |url=http://www.lafarge.com/sites/default/files/atoms/files/03232015-press_publication-2014_annual_report-uk.pdf |title=Annual Report 2014 |publisher=Lafarge}}</ref>
| operating_income = €1.881 billion <small>(2014)</small><ref name="AR2014" /> | operating_income = €1.881 billion <small>(2014)</small><ref name="AR2014" />
| net_income = €770.36 million <small>(2014)</small><ref name="AR2014" /> | net_income = €770.36 million <small>(2014)</small><ref name="AR2014" />
| assets = €34.804 billion <small>(end 2014)</small><ref name="AR2014" /> | assets = €34.804 billion <small>(end 2014)</small><ref name="AR2014" />
| equity = | equity =
| num_employees = 63,000 <small>(end 2014)</small><ref name="AR2014" /> | num_employees = 63,000 <small>(end 2014)</small><ref name="AR2014" />
| parent = ]
| homepage = {{url|lafargeholcim.com|LafargeHolcim.com}}
| caption = | homepage =
| caption =
}} }}
]


'''Lafarge''' is a French industrial company specialising in ], ]s, and ]. It is the world's largest cement manufacturer. It was founded in 1833 by Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge and is a part of the ].
]


In 2015, Lafarge merged with ] and a new company was formed under the name of '''LafargeHolcim'''. It was renamed to Holcim Group in 2021.<ref
On 10 July 2015 Lafarge merged with ], a Swiss cement company. On 15 July the new company was officially launched around the globe under the name of ], creating a new leader in the building materials sector.<ref name="uk.reuters.com">{{cite web|title=A New Leader for a New World: LafargeHolcim Officially Launched around the Globe|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/07/15/lafargeholcim-idUKnBw146823a+100+BSW20150715?type=companyNews|website=Reuters}}</ref>
name=cnbctv18>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-09|title=LafargeHolcim rebranded as Holcim Group|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/companies/lafargeholcim-rebranded-as-holcim-group-9938411.htm|access-date=2021-07-14|website=www.cnbctv18.com|language=en}}</ref>


Lafarge was embroiled in the ], in which it was convicted of financing terrorism and complicity in crimes against humanity by the US Department of Justice for paying $5.92 million to the terrorist groups ] and ] between 2013 and 2014 to keep its cement plant in Syria operating.<ref name="BBC2022"/><ref name="NYT2022"/>
In 2015 '''Lafarge S.A.''' ceased to exist. ] is a Swiss company.

'''Lafarge S.A.''' was a ] industrial company specialising in three major products: ], ]s, and ]. It was founded in 1833 by Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge.


==History== ==History==
===Foundation and development=== ===Foundation and development===
Lafarge was founded in 1833<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.com/wps/portal/1_6_1-Dates-cles|title=Lafarge - Transcript of: Timeline: history of Lafarge|publisher=}}</ref> by Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge in Le Teil (]), to exploit the limestone quarry in ] between ] and ]. The limestone is white and ], and yielded an eminently ]. Lafarge was founded in 1833<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.com/wps/portal/1_6_1-Dates-cles|title=Lafarge - Transcript of: Timeline: history of Lafarge|access-date=2008-01-02|archive-date=2008-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526150039/http://www.lafarge.com/wps/portal/1_6_1-Dates-cles|url-status=dead}}</ref> by Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge in ], ] (]), to exploit the limestone quarry in Mont Saint-Victor between ] and ]. The limestone is white and ], and yielded an eminently ]. In 1864 Lafarge signed its first international contract for the delivery of 110,000 tonnes of lime to the ] construction project.<ref name="history" />

]]] ]]]
In 1864 Lafarge signed its first international contract for the delivery of 110,000 tonnes of lime to the ] construction project.<ref name="history" />
In 1980 Lafarge joined with the Belgian coal, coke and fertilizer company Coppée to become SA Lafarge Coppée.


During the Second World War, Lafarge provided the Nazi regime with concrete for the French part of the ]. This maintained activity permitted the company to transition rapidly to the period of post-war reconstruction.<ref>{{Cite news|work=France 24 |language=fr |title=Après les contrats douteux en Syrie, le cimentier LafargeHolcim prêt à construire le mur de Trump | url=https://www.france24.com/fr/20170309-industrie-ciment-passe-douteux-lafarge-holcim-syrie-occupation-mur-atlantique-ei |date=9 March 2017 |last=Graff |first=Valentin }}</ref>
Lafarge purchased a plant from the ] in early 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/jawiglehart.htm |title=J.A.W. Iglehart |last=moderator@boatnerd.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323204429/http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/jawiglehart.htm |archivedate=2010-03-23 }}</ref> Ten years later, it bought ], a leading ] quarry operator.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/the-investment-column-redlands-needs-white-knights-1236196.html|title=The Investment Column: Redlands needs white knights|date=16 October 1997|publisher=}}</ref>


In 1980 Lafarge joined with the Belgian coal, coke and fertilizer company Coppée to become SA Lafarge Coppée.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}
In 1999, Lafarge acquired 100% shareholding in ], the second-largest cement manufacturer in ], with installed capacity of 850,000 metric tonnes annually, as of January 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in2eastafrica.net/hima-cement-expands-factory/|title=Hima Cement Expands Factory|publisher=|access-date=2011-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723155528/http://in2eastafrica.net/hima-cement-expands-factory/|archive-date=2011-07-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 1999, Lafarge entered the Indian market through its cement business,with the acquisition of Tata Steel's cement activity. This acquisition was followed by the purchase of the Raymond Cement facility in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.in|title=Lafarge in India - Cement, concrete, aggregates|publisher=}}</ref>
In 2001, Lafarge, then the world's second largest cement manufacturer, acquired ] (BCI), which at the time was the world's sixth largest cement manufacturer, to become the world leader in cement manufacturing.<ref name="history" />


Lafarge purchased a plant from the ] in early 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/jawiglehart.htm |title=J.A.W. Iglehart |last=moderator@boatnerd.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323204429/http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/jawiglehart.htm |archive-date=2010-03-23 }}</ref> Ten years later, it bought ], a ] quarry operator.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/the-investment-column-redlands-needs-white-knights-1236196.html|title=The Investment Column: Redlands needs white knights|website=] |date=16 October 1997|access-date=2 September 2017|archive-date=10 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410081657/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/the-investment-column-redlands-needs-white-knights-1236196.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1999, Lafarge acquired a 100% shareholding in ], the second-largest cement manufacturer in ], with an installed capacity of 850,000 metric tonnes annually, as of January 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in2eastafrica.net/hima-cement-expands-factory/|title=Hima Cement Expands Factory|access-date=2011-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723155528/http://in2eastafrica.net/hima-cement-expands-factory/|archive-date=2011-07-23|url-status=dead}}</ref> That same year, Lafarge entered the Indian market through its cement business, with the acquisition of ]'s cement activity. This acquisition was followed by the purchase of the Raymond Cement facility in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.in/|title=Lafarge in India - Cement, concrete, aggregates|access-date=2014-01-05|archive-date=2014-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102091525/http://www.lafarge.in/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2001, Lafarge, then the world's second largest cement manufacturer, acquired ] (BCI), a British company which at the time was the world's sixth largest cement manufacturer, to become the world's largest cement manufacturer.<ref name="history" />
], Ohio.]] ], Ohio.]]
In 2006, Lafarge North America shareholders accepted a $3 billion tender offer from Lafarge Group which gave the parent company full control over the North American business, removing LNA from the ]. Previously the group had owned 53% of LNA shares.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/12/AR2006021201002_pf.html|title=Jerry Knight - French Parent Targets Huge but Little-Known Lafarge North America|newspaper=Washington Post|date=12 February 2006|access-date=2 September 2017|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220133903/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/12/AR2006021201002_pf.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2006, Lafarge North America shareholders accepted a $3 billion tender offer from Lafarge Group which gave the parent company full control over the North American business, removing LNA from the New York Stock Exchange. Previously the group had owned 53% of LNA shares.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/12/AR2006021201002_pf.html|title=Jerry Knight - French Parent Targets Huge but Little-Known Lafarge North America|publisher=}}</ref>


In 2007, it divested its roofing division, selling it to a private equity group in a deal that resulted in Lafarge retaining a 35% equity stake.<ref name="history" /> In 2007, it divested its roofing division, selling it to a private equity group in a deal that resulted in Lafarge retaining a 35% equity stake.<ref name="history" />


In December 2007, Lafarge announced the purchase of the Orascom Cement Group, an Egyptian-based cement producer with operations across Africa and the Middle East, from ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3bf1310e-a6f0-11dc-a25a-0000779fd2ac.html|title=Subscribe to read|publisher=}}</ref> In December 2007, Lafarge announced the purchase of the Orascom Cement Group, an Egyptian-based cement producer with operations across Africa and the Middle East, from ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3bf1310e-a6f0-11dc-a25a-0000779fd2ac.html|title=Lafarge buys Orascom Cement for €10bn|website=Financial Times|url-access=subscription|date=10 December 2007|access-date=2 January 2008|archive-date=21 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421210848/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3bf1310e-a6f0-11dc-a25a-0000779fd2ac.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


On 15 May 2008 Lafarge acquired Larsen & Toubro Ready Mix-Concrete (RMC) business in India for $349 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abclive.in/abclive_business/rmc-lafarge-india.html|title=Lafarge Enters in Indian RMC Business with L&T Acquisition|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100112033818/http://abclive.in/abclive_business/rmc-lafarge-india.html|archivedate=2010-01-12}}</ref> On 15 May 2008 Lafarge acquired Larsen & Toubro Ready Mix-Concrete (RMC) business in India for $349 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abclive.in/abclive_business/rmc-lafarge-india.html|title=Lafarge Enters in Indian RMC Business with L&T Acquisition|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100112033818/http://abclive.in/abclive_business/rmc-lafarge-india.html|archive-date=2010-01-12}}</ref>


In 2009, Lafarge sells Canadian precast concrete company, Pre-Con to Armtec Infrastructure Income Fund.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pre-con.com/|title=Pre-Con|website=www.pre-con.com}}</ref> In 2009, Lafarge sells Canadian precast concrete company, Pre-Con to Armtec Infrastructure Income Fund.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pre-con.com/|title=Pre-Con|website=www.pre-con.com|access-date=2020-02-12|archive-date=2020-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220051909/http://www.pre-con.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2010, Lafarge strengthened its presence in Brazil<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Guerin‑Chapel|first=Anaïs|date=2010-10-01|title=La durabilité des sablières. Approche méthodologique dans sa perspective territoriale, les sablières Lafarge Granulats Ouest (LGO) en Bretagne|journal=Carnets de géographes|issue=1|doi=10.4000/cdg.2123|issn=2107-7266|doi-access=free}}</ref> (an agreement with Lafarge and STRABAG to create a common company in Cement in Central Europe).<ref>{{Citation|last=Laurent|first=Sébastien|title=8. La France et l'Europe centrale dans l'entre-deux-guerres. Une "Petite Entente" du renseignement?|date=2009|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4000/books.msha.18100|work=Le rayonnement français en Europe centrale|pages=109–115|publisher=Maison des Sciences de l’Homme d’Aquitaine|doi=10.4000/books.msha.18100 |isbn=9782858923649 |access-date=2022-02-23|archive-date=2022-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019074343/https://books.openedition.org/msha/18100|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2010, Lafarge strengthened its presence in Brazil (agreement with Lafarge and STRABAG to create a common company in Cement in Central Europe).


In 2011, Lafarge SA announced it would build a cement plant in ], ], ] with investment up to Rp 5 trillion ($585 million).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/07/04/lafarge-may-invest-rp-5t-n-sumatra.html-0|title=Lafarge may invest Rp 5t in N. Sumatra|first=The Jakarta|last=Post|publisher=}}</ref> In 2011, Lafarge SA announced it would build a cement plant in ], ], ] with an investment of up to Rp 5 trillion ($585 million).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/07/04/lafarge-may-invest-rp-5t-n-sumatra.html-0|title=Lafarge may invest Rp 5t in N. Sumatra|first=The Jakarta|last=Post|access-date=2011-07-04|archive-date=2011-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708114351/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/07/04/lafarge-may-invest-rp-5t-n-sumatra.html-0|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2011 Lafarge sold to ] its stake in their common Asian Gypsum joint-venture LBGA (Lafarge Boral Gypsum Asia).<ref>{{cite web|title=Lafarge agreed with Boral to sell them its stake in their common Asian Gypsum Joint-Venture for 429 M€|url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-agreed-boral-sell-them-its-stake-their-common-asian-gypsum-joint-venture-429-meu|website=Lafarge|accessdate=26 December 2017}}</ref> In 2011 Lafarge sold to ] its stake in their common Asian Gypsum joint-venture LBGA (Lafarge Boral Gypsum Asia).<ref>{{cite web|title=Lafarge agreed with Boral to sell them its stake in their common Asian Gypsum Joint-Venture for 429 M€|url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-agreed-boral-sell-them-its-stake-their-common-asian-gypsum-joint-venture-429-meu|website=Lafarge|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226130522/http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-agreed-boral-sell-them-its-stake-their-common-asian-gypsum-joint-venture-429-meu|url-status=live}}</ref>


Lafarge launched three plants in ], ] and ] and created a joint-venture with ] in the ]. Lafarge launched three plants in ], ] and ] and created a joint venture with ] in the ].


The group sold most of its European, South American, Asian and Australian gypsum operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-closes-sale-gypsum-assets-etex-group|title=Lafarge closes sale of Gypsum assets to Etex Group|date=10 March 2015|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-agreed-boral-sell-them-its-stake-their-common-asian-gypsum-joint-venture-429-meu|title=Lafarge agreed with Boral to sell them its stake in their common Asian Gypsum Joint-Venture for 429 M€|date=10 March 2015|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-sells-its-australian-gypsum-operations-120-million-euros|title=Lafarge sells its Australian Gypsum operations for 120 million euros|date=10 March 2015|publisher=}}</ref> The group sold most of its European, South American, Asian and Australian gypsum operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-closes-sale-gypsum-assets-etex-group|title=Lafarge closes sale of Gypsum assets to Etex Group|date=10 March 2015|access-date=8 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220194307/http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-closes-sale-gypsum-assets-etex-group|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-agreed-boral-sell-them-its-stake-their-common-asian-gypsum-joint-venture-429-meu|title=Lafarge agreed with Boral to sell them its stake in their common Asian Gypsum Joint-Venture for 429 M€|date=10 March 2015|access-date=8 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220194511/http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-agreed-boral-sell-them-its-stake-their-common-asian-gypsum-joint-venture-429-meu|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-sells-its-australian-gypsum-operations-120-million-euros|title=Lafarge sells its Australian Gypsum operations for 120 million euros|date=10 March 2015|access-date=8 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220194642/http://www.lafarge.com/en/lafarge-sells-its-australian-gypsum-operations-120-million-euros|url-status=live}}</ref>


In September 2013, Lafarge agreed to the sale of its 53.3 percent stake in its Honduras subsidiary Lafarge Cementos SA de CV to Cementos Argos for €232m.<ref name="CemNet.com">{{cite web
In April 2013 Lafarge adopted a new brand baseline "Building better cities".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/building-better-cities-ambition-driving-our-innovation|title="Building better cities" An ambition driving our innovation|date=10 March 2015|website=Lafarge.com}}</ref> It reflects the group's ambition to contribute to the improvement of cities by developing innovative construction products, solutions and systems. Lafarge's contribution to better cities addresses some key challenges of urbanization:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge.com/wps/portal/9-contribuer-a-des-villes-meilleures|title=Our ambition: Building Better Cities|date=4 February 2015|publisher=}}</ref>
|url = http://www.cemnet.com/Corporate/story/153062/lafarge.html
* contribute to more housing in cities;
|title = Lafarge - September 2013
* contribute to more compact cities;
|date = 3 October 2013
* contribute to more durable cities;
|website = CemNet.com
* contribute to more connected cities;
|publisher = International Cement Review
* contribute to more beautiful cities.
|access-date = 31 October 2013

|archive-date = 3 November 2013
In September 2013, Lafarge agreed to the sale of its 53.3 per cent stake in its Honduras subsidiary Lafarge Cementos SA de CV to Cementos Argos for €232m.<ref name="CemNet.com">{{cite web
|url = http://www.cemnet.com/Corporate/story/153062/lafarge.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131103060437/http://www.cemnet.com/Corporate/story/153062/lafarge.html
|url-status = live
|title = Lafarge - September 2013
|date = 3 October 2013
|website = CemNet.com
|publisher = International Cement Review
|accessdate = 31 October 2013
}}</ref> }}</ref>


In 2018, the Lafarge Cement plant located south of ], ] was being used as a base of operations by ] and ] forces.<ref>{{cite news |publisher=] |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/france-cooperating-with-pkk-ypg-terrorists-coalition/1178383 |title=France cooperating with PKK/YPG terrorists: Coalition |first=Faruk |last=Zorlu |first2=Hakan |last2=Copur |date=June 19, 2018 |quote=According to information obtained by Anadolu Agency on March 30 from local sources, more than 70 French special forces under the international coalition against Daesh are stationed at the Lafarge Cement factory near the strategic Mistanur Hill and Harab-Isk village in southern Ayn al-Arab province (Kobani).}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |number=1016609763780591616 |user=obretix |date=July 10, 2018 |title=US Army Apache helicopter at the Lafarge cement plant in northern Syria |url=https://www.google.com/maps?ll=36.546725,38.589478&q=36.546725,38.589478&hl=en&t=h&z=17 … https://www.dvidshub.net/video/612558 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710231944/https:/twitter.com/obretix/status/1016609763780591616/video/1 |archive-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref> In 2018, the Lafarge Cement plant located south of ], ] was being used as a base of operations by ] and ] forces.<ref>{{cite news |publisher=] |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/france-cooperating-with-pkk-ypg-terrorists-coalition/1178383 |title=France cooperating with PKK/YPG terrorists: Coalition |first1=Faruk |last1=Zorlu |first2=Hakan |last2=Copur |date=June 19, 2018 |quote=According to information obtained by Anadolu Agency on March 30 from local sources, more than 70 French special forces under the international coalition against Daesh are stationed at the Lafarge Cement factory near the strategic Mistanur Hill and Harab-Isk village in southern Ayn al-Arab province (Kobani). |access-date=July 10, 2018 |archive-date=July 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711022854/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/france-cooperating-with-pkk-ypg-terrorists-coalition/1178383 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |number=1016609763780591616 |user=obretix |date=July 10, 2018 |title=US Army Apache helicopter at the Lafarge cement plant in northern Syria |url=https://www.google.com/maps?ll=36.546725,38.589478&q=36.546725,38.589478&hl=en&t=h&z=17 … https://www.dvidshub.net/video/612558 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710231944/https://twitter.com/obretix/status/1016609763780591616/video/1 |archive-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref>

in 2022, Lafarge Egypt, launched "Shatbna," an eco-friendly masonry cement with a 40% lower carbon footprint.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lafarge Egypt launches Shatbna product |url=https://www.lafarge.com.eg/en/lafarge-egypt-launches-shatbna-product |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=www.lafarge.com.eg |language=en}}</ref>

The company is active in Greece through the full ownership of ], since 1991.<ref name="multiple">{{Cite news|url=https://www.lafarge.gr/oi-anthropoi-mas|title=Οι Άνθρωποι μας|date=2017-11-23|work=Όμιλος ΗΡΑΚΛΗΣ, τσιμέντο, σκυρόδεμα και αδρανή|access-date=2018-10-17|language=el}}</ref>

As of September 2024, The company is set to build a new cement plant in Serbia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=staff |first=Global Cement |date=2024-08-23 |title=Lafarge Serbia to build new cement plant utilising power plant ash |url=https://www.globalcement.com/news/item/17784-lafarge-serbia-to-build-new-cement-plant-utilising-power-plant-ash |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=www.globalcement.com}}</ref>


===Merger with Holcim=== ===Merger with Holcim===
On 7 April 2014, Lafarge and ] announced they had agreed to terms on a "merger of equals".<ref>{{cite news|title=Holcim Agrees To Merge With Lafarge|date=April 7, 2014|work=Bloomberg TV India|url=http://www.btvin.com/videos/watch/6607/holcim-agrees-to-merge-with-lafarge|access-date=August 4, 2014|archive-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329010726/http://www.btvin.com/videos/watch/6607/holcim-agrees-to-merge-with-lafarge|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The exchange ratio will be based on 9 Holcim shares for 10 Lafarge shares.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lafarge, Holcim, CRH shares rise as merger saved|work=Financial Times|date=March 20, 2015|url=http://www.ft.com/fastft/296113/lafarge-holcim-crh-shares-rise-merger-saved|access-date=April 23, 2015|archive-date=October 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019074337/https://www.ft.com/fastft|url-status=live}}</ref> The new company would be based in Switzerland and have a manufacturing capacity of 427 million tons a year would vastly exceed the 227 million ton capacity ].<ref name=hurdles /> Lafarge CEO Bruno Lafont and Holcim Chairman Wolfgang Reitzle became co-chairmen of the new group.<ref name=form /> Eric Olsen, then Lafarge's Executive Vice-president in charge of Operations, became the CEO of the new group.<ref>{{cite news|title=Eric Olsen appointed as future CEO of LafargeHolcim|date=April 9, 2015|url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/04092015-Eric-Olsen-appointed-future-CEO-LafargeHolcim|access-date=April 23, 2015|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413053514/http://www.lafarge.com/en/04092015-Eric-Olsen-appointed-future-CEO-LafargeHolcim|url-status=live}}</ref> Executives from both companies said the deal would save the new company 1.4 billion euros (US$1.9 billion) annually and create "the most advanced group in the building materials industry."<ref name=hurdles>{{cite news|title=Antitrust Hurdles Loom Large for Giant Cement Merger|date=7 April 2014|author=David Jolly|work=New York Times|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/04/07/cement-makers-holcim-and-lafarge-agree-to-merge/|access-date=9 April 2014|archive-date=8 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408201507/http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/04/07/cement-makers-holcim-and-lafarge-agree-to-merge/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{main|LafargeHolcim}}

On 7 April 2014, Lafarge and Holcim announced they had agreed to terms on a "merger of equals".<ref>{{cite news|title=Holcim Agrees To Merge With Lafarge|date=April 7, 2014|work=Bloomberg TV India |url=http://www.btvin.com/videos/watch/6607/holcim-agrees-to-merge-with-lafarge}}</ref> The exchange ratio will be based on 9 Holcim shares for 10 Lafarge shares.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lafarge, Holcim, CRH shares rise as merger saved|work=Financial Times|date=March 20, 2015|url=http://www.ft.com/fastft/296113/lafarge-holcim-crh-shares-rise-merger-saved}}</ref> The new company would be based in Switzerland and have a manufacturing capacity of 427 million tons a year would vastly exceed the 227 million ton capacity ], the current industry leader in that category.<ref name=hurdles />
The deal faced significant regulatory obstacles, as 15 different jurisdictions could have potentially raised objections. The cement market in Europe is tightly consolidated and ] scrutiny of deals has been commonplace since the 1970s.<ref name=hurdles /> To meet regulatory concerns, Holcim and Lafarge planned to sell or spinoff assets that generated about 5 billion euros (US$6.9 billion) of revenue in 2013 in areas of large overlap between the two companies.<ref name=form /> Lafont said the merger was aimed at rebalancing operations, not cutting costs. He said overlapping businesses would be sold, not closed, so industry job losses would be minimal.<ref name=hurdles />
Lafarge Chief Executive Officer Bruno Lafont and Holcim's Chairman Wolfgang Reitzle will be co-Chairmen of the new group.<ref name=form /> Eric Olsen, current Lafarge Executive Vice-President, in charge of Operations will be the future CEO of the new group.<ref>{{cite news|title=Eric Olsen appointed as future CEO of LafargeHolcim|date=April 9, 2015 |url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/04092015-Eric-Olsen-appointed-future-CEO-LafargeHolcim}}</ref> Executives from both companies said the deal would save the new company 1.4 billion euros (US$1.9 billion) annually and create "the most advanced group in the building materials industry."<ref name=hurdles>{{cite news|title=Antitrust Hurdles Loom Large for Giant Cement Merger|date=April 7, 2014|author=David Jolly|work=New York Times|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/04/07/cement-makers-holcim-and-lafarge-agree-to-merge/|accessdate=April 9, 2014}}</ref>

Industry analysts said the deal would combine Holcim's marketing strength with Lafarge's edge in innovation, while providing significant cost savings, but cautioned "the road to merger clearance will be a long, complex and uncertain one."<ref name=create>{{cite news|title=Holcim, Lafarge agree to merger to create cement giant|author=Natalie Huet|author2=Caroline Copley|date=7 April 2014|work=Reuters|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/lafarge-holcim-idINDEEA3607P20140407|access-date=April 9, 2014|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306155405/http://in.reuters.com/article/lafarge-holcim-idINDEEA3607P20140407|url-status=dead}}</ref> Others said the deal could lead to further mergers within the industry and give competitors a chance to pick up assets at a bargain price.<ref name=form>{{cite news|title=Holcim to Merge With Lafarge to Form Biggest Cement Maker|author=Patrick Winters|author2=Francois de Beaupuy|date=April 7, 2014|work=Bloomberg|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-07/holcim-to-merge-with-lafarge-to-form-biggest-cement-maker.html|access-date=April 9, 2014|archive-date=January 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109220947/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-07/holcim-to-merge-with-lafarge-to-form-biggest-cement-maker.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Most analysts surveyed by ] felt the merger would be approved in the end.<ref name=create />

The acquisition would turn it into the world's third-biggest building materials supplier. Analysts said that although it was broadly anticipated by the market. "The additional assets expand the company’s footprint in Eastern Europe and into Brazil and the Philippines. Given the well flagged nature of the deal, however, these benefits are largely reflected in the price at current levels," Alan Breen of Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland said.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=LEPKOWSKI|first=WIL|date=1989-02-20|title=BHOPAL SETTLEMENT: Carbide to pay India $470 million|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/cen-v067n008.p004|journal=Chemical & Engineering News Archive|volume=67|issue=8|pages=4|doi=10.1021/cen-v067n008.p004|issn=0009-2347}}</ref>

On 10 July 2015, Lafarge merged with Holcim. On 15 July 2015, the new company was officially launched around the globe under the name of LafargeHolcim, which was later renamed as the ] on 8 July 2021.<ref name=cnbctv18 />

== Legal and environmental issues ==


=== Terrorist financing and complicity in crimes against humanity charges ===
The deal will face significant regulatory obstacles, as 15 different jurisdictions could potentially raise objections. The cement market in Europe is already tightly consolidated and antitrust scrutiny of deals has been commonplace since the 1970s.<ref name=hurdles /> To meet regulatory concerns, Holcim and Lafarge plan to sell or spinoff assets that generated about 5 billion euros (US$6.9 billion) of revenue in 2013 in areas of large overlap between the two companies.<ref name=form /> Lafont said the merger was aimed at rebalancing operations, not cutting costs. He said overlapping businesses would be sold, not closed, so industry job losses would be minimal.<ref name=hurdles />
{{Main|Lafarge scandal}}
In June 2016, France opened an inquiry into the activities of Lafarge in Syria. The inquiry followed reports by French journalist Dorothée Myriam Kellou, published by '']'' and ], which uncovered deals Lafarge made with an array of armed groups, including the ] terrorist group, in order to keep its cement plant in Syria operating. ISIL captured the plant on 19 September 2014.<ref name="France opens inquiry into Lafarge">.{{cite news|title=France opens inquiry into Lafarge deals with Syrian armed groups|author=France24|date=June 13, 2017|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20170613-france-judicial-inquiry-lafargeholcim-syria-terrorism-jalabiya|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925132530/http://www.france24.com/en/20170613-france-judicial-inquiry-lafargeholcim-syria-terrorism-jalabiya|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017 LafargeHolcim executives were investigated for these claims in the civil and criminal courts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/856bc6ee-d766-11e7-a039-c64b1c09b482|title=LafargeHolcim executives under investigation|work=Financial Times|date=2 December 2017 |language=en-GB|access-date=2018-04-30|archive-date=2018-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430183022/https://www.ft.com/content/856bc6ee-d766-11e7-a039-c64b1c09b482|url-status=live |last1=Agnew |first1=Harriet |last2=Keohane |first2=David }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/10/business/isis-is-coming-how-a-french-company-pushed-the-limits-in-war-torn-syria.html|title='ISIS Is Coming!' How a French Company Pushed the Limits in War-Torn Syria|last1=Alderman|first1=Liz|date=2018-03-10|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-04-30|last2=Peltier|first2=Elian|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|last3=Saad|first3=Hwaida|author3-link=Hwaida Saad |archive-date=2018-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418235518/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/10/business/isis-is-coming-how-a-french-company-pushed-the-limits-in-war-torn-syria.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


Lafarge sought to have the claims dismissed, arguing that the payments were intended to allow Lafarge to continue commercial activities, not to support ISIS, and that the company and its executives could not be held accountable for actions undertaken by its Syrian subsidiary.<ref name="Paris Court of Appeal confirms charges against French Multinational Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity committed by ISIS">.{{cite news|title=Paris Court of Appeal confirms charges against French Multinational Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity committed by ISIS|publisher=Doughty Street Chambers|date=23 May 2022|url=https://www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/paris-court-appeal-confirms-charges-against-french-multinational-lafarge-complicity-crimes|access-date=30 September 2022|archive-date=30 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930094830/https://www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/paris-court-appeal-confirms-charges-against-french-multinational-lafarge-complicity-crimes|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, the Paris Court of Appeals agreed with Lafarge.
Industry analysts said the deal would combine Holcim's marketing strength with Lafarge's edge in innovation, while providing significant cost savings, but cautioned "the road to merger clearance will be a long, complex and uncertain one."<ref name=create>{{cite news|title=Holcim, Lafarge agree to merger to create cement giant|author=Natalie Huet|author2=Caroline Copley|date=April 7, 2014|agency=Reuters|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/04/07/lafarge-holcim-idINDEEA3607P20140407|accessdate=April 9, 2014}}</ref> Others said the deal could lead to further mergers within the industry and give competitors a chance to pick up assets at a bargain price.<ref name=form>{{cite news|title=Holcim to Merge With Lafarge to Form Biggest Cement Maker|author=Patrick Winters|author2=Francois de Beaupuy|date=April 7, 2014|work=Bloomberg|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-07/holcim-to-merge-with-lafarge-to-form-biggest-cement-maker.html|accessdate=April 9, 2014}}</ref> Most analysts surveyed by ] felt the merger would be approved in the end.<ref name=create />


On 7 September 2021, the ] confirmed charges of ] and endangering employees' lives.<ref name="Paris Court of Appeal confirms charges against French Multinational Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity committed by ISIS"/> The Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) quashed the Court of Appeal ruling, determining that there was sufficient evidence, including minutes from Lafarge meetings, for the investigative judge to find Lafarge had "precise knowledge" of the nature of ISIS's activities.<ref name="Paris Court of Appeal confirms charges against French Multinational Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity committed by ISIS"/> In the decision, the Supreme Court explained that "] are the most serious of crimes because beyond the attack on the individual, which it transcends, it targets and denies humanity."<ref name="7 septembre 2021 Court de cassation Pourvoi no. 19-87.367">.{{cite news|title=Court de cassation Pourvoi no. 19-87.367|author=Court de cassation|date=7 September 2021|url=https://www.courdecassation.fr/decision/6137092ff585960512dfe635?search_api_fulltext=lafarge&sort=&items_per_page=&judilibre_chambre=&judilibre_type=&judilibre_matiere=&judilibre_publication=&judilibre_solution=&op=&date_du=&date_au=|access-date=30 September 2022|archive-date=30 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930094826/https://www.courdecassation.fr/decision/6137092ff585960512dfe635?search_api_fulltext=lafarge&sort=&items_per_page=&judilibre_chambre=&judilibre_type=&judilibre_matiere=&judilibre_publication=&judilibre_solution=&op=&date_du=&date_au=|url-status=live}}</ref> It found that for a conviction on complicity in crimes against humanity, Lafarge did not need to be a part of ISIS but "It is sufficient that has knowledge that the main perpetrators are committing or are about to commit such a crime against humanity and that by his aid or assistance, he facilitates the preparation or the commission thereof."<ref name="7 septembre 2021 Court de cassation Pourvoi no. 19-87.367"/> The Court concluded that "the knowing payment of a sum of several million dollars to an organization whose object is only criminal is sufficient to characterize complicity by aiding and abetting."<ref name="7 septembre 2021 Court de cassation Pourvoi no. 19-87.367"/> The Supreme Court referred the matter back to the Court of Appeal.<ref name="Paris Court of Appeal confirms charges against French Multinational Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity committed by ISIS"/>
The acquisition, will turn it into the world's third-biggest building materials supplier. Analysts said that although it was broadly anticipated by the market. "The additional assets expand the company’s footprint in Eastern Europe and into Brazil and the Philippines. Given the well flagged nature of the deal however, these benefits are largely reflected in the price at current levels," Alan Breen of Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland said.


On 18 May 2022, the Investigative Chamber of the ] rejected a request by Lafarge to dismiss charges of complicity in crimes against humanity and endangering lives. In confirming the charges, the Court of Appeal judges found that "although informed that the actions of ISIS could constitute crimes against humanity, Lafarge, which could have put an end to the activities of LCS by asking it to close the plant, decided instead to continue this activity … even if it meant paying several million dollars to its groups".<ref name="Paris Court of Appeal confirms charges against French Multinational Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity committed by ISIS"/>
On 10 July 2015, Lafarge merged with ], a Swiss cement company. On 15 July 2015, the new company was officially launched around the globe under the name of ], creating a new leader in the Building Materials sector.<ref name="uk.reuters.com"/>


In a statement, the company said it strongly disagreed with the Court of Appeal's decision to retain complicity in crimes against humanity within the scope of an investigation and said it would appeal the decision to France's Supreme Court.<ref name="Charges Confirmed against Lafarge for Complicity in Crimes against Humanity in Syria">.{{cite news|title=Charges Confirmed against Lafarge for Complicity in Crimes against Humanity in Syria|author=ECCHR|date=May 18, 2022|url=https://www.ecchr.eu/en/press-release/charges-confirmed-against-lafarge-for-complicity-in-crimes-against-humanity-in-syria/|access-date=May 18, 2022|archive-date=May 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518165410/https://www.ecchr.eu/en/press-release/charges-confirmed-against-lafarge-for-complicity-in-crimes-against-humanity-in-syria/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-18 |title=Lafarge loses latest appeal over crimes against humanity charges |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/paris-appeals-court-upholds-charges-complicity-crimes-against-humanity-against-2022-05-18/ |access-date=2022-07-06 |archive-date=2022-07-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706085904/https://www.reuters.com/world/paris-appeals-court-upholds-charges-complicity-crimes-against-humanity-against-2022-05-18/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Controversies ==


On 17 October 2022, the ] reached a $777.8 million criminal plea agreement with Lafarge in the case. Executives with Lafarge agreed to the deal after paying $5.92 million to Islamic State and ] leaders and urging them to help the company keep its production facilities running, according to a company spokesman and law enforcement official.<ref name="NYT2022">{{cite news |last1=O’Brien |first1=Rebecca Davis |last2=Thrush |first2=Glenn |title=French Cement Company to Pay $780 Million Over Payoffs to ISIS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/18/nyregion/lafarge-cement-isis-terrorism.html |work=The New York Times |date=18 October 2022 |access-date=18 October 2022 |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018161508/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/18/nyregion/lafarge-cement-isis-terrorism.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BBC2022">{{cite news |last1=Timmins |first1=Beth |title=Cement firm Lafarge pleads guilty to supporting IS |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-63305371 |work=BBC News |date=18 October 2022 |access-date=19 October 2022 |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018203128/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-63305371 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Terrorist financing ===
In June 2016, France opened an inquiry into the Syrian activities of the construction. The inquiry followed reports by French journalist Dorothée Myriam Kellou, published by Le Monde and FRANCE 24, which uncovered the deals Lafarge made with an array of armed groups, including the ] terrorist group, in order to keep the cement plant operating. ISIL had captured the plant on 19 September 2014.<ref name="France opens inquiry into Lafarge">.{{cite news|title=France opens inquiry into Lafarge deals with Syrian armed groups|author=France24|date=June 13, 2017|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20170613-france-judicial-inquiry-lafargeholcim-syria-terrorism-jalabiya}}</ref> In 2017 the LafargeHolcim executives were investigated for these claims in the civil and criminal courts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/856bc6ee-d766-11e7-a039-c64b1c09b482|title=LafargeHolcim executives under investigation - Financial Times|website=Financial Times|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/10/business/isis-is-coming-how-a-french-company-pushed-the-limits-in-war-torn-syria.html|title=‘ISIS Is Coming!’ How a French Company Pushed the Limits in War-Torn Syria|last=Alderman|first=Liz|date=2018-03-10|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-04-30|last2=Peltier|first2=Elian|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|last3=Saad|first3=Hwaida}}</ref>


===Environmental concerns=== ===Environmental issues===
], ].]] ], ].]]


====Mercury emissions in New York====
On 11 July 2008, the ] reported that Lafarge's ] plant "was the greatest source of ] emissions in New York from 2004 to 2006" <ref name="TU2008a">{{cite web |url=http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=702460 |title=Update at Ravena Cement Plant to Clean Air |accessdate=2008-07-29 |publisher=Albany Times Union}}</ref> According to the story, plans have been made to upgrade the plant to reduce the mercury emissions. A second story, published the following day, stated that the factory had emitted 400 pounds (181&nbsp;kg) of mercury annually from 2004 to 2006.<ref name="TU2008b">{{cite web |url=https://www.timesunion.com/archives/secure/docheckout.asp?action=Get+Doc+Tag&dblist=TX2008_ALBANYTU&tagnum=200807240221&papid=albanytu&suffixes=false&synonyms=false&thesfile=savesufx.fth&view=rtemplate&templatetype=legacy&outputtype=DOCXSLT |title=Update at Ravena Cement Plant to Clean Air |accessdate=2008-07-29 |publisher=Albany Times Union}}</ref>
On 11 July 2008, the '']'' reported that Lafarge's ] plant "was the greatest source of ] in New York from 2004 to 2006"<ref name="TU2008a">{{cite web |url=http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=702460 |title=Update at Ravena Cement Plant to Clean Air |access-date=2008-07-29 |publisher=Albany Times Union}}</ref> According to the story, plans had been made to upgrade the plant to reduce the mercury emissions. A second story published the following day, stated that the factory had emitted 400 pounds (181&nbsp;kg) of mercury annually from 2004 to 2006.<ref name="TU2008b">{{cite web |url=https://www.timesunion.com/archives/secure/docheckout.asp?action=Get+Doc+Tag&dblist=TX2008_ALBANYTU&tagnum=200807240221&papid=albanytu&suffixes=false&synonyms=false&thesfile=savesufx.fth&view=rtemplate&templatetype=legacy&outputtype=DOCXSLT |title=Update at Ravena Cement Plant to Clean Air |access-date=2008-07-29 |publisher=Albany Times Union}}</ref>
In November 2010 Lafarge, together along with other companies, opposes new EPA regulations that require mercury-emissions reductions at cement plants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/16878-1|title=NY Plant at Heart of Cement-Making Air Pollution Battle|publisher=}}</ref> Preliminary data published by the EPA for the year 2009 showed 145 pounds of mercury were recorded for the Ravena plant (total on- and off-site disposals). The plant has continued to perform within permitted limits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/signpost/index.html?VIEW=STFA&trilib=TRIQ0&TAB_RPT=1&_LINESPP=&sort=RE_TOLBY&INDUSTRY=ALL&FLD=RELLBY&FLD=TSFDSP&FLD=RE_TOLBY&sort_fmt=2&TopN=&STATE=36&COUNTY=All+counties&CHEMICAL=007439976&CHEMICAL=N458&YEAR=2009&BGCOLOR=|title=Page Not Found &#124; US EPA|website=www.epa.gov}}</ref>


In November 2010 Lafarge opposed new ] regulations in the United States that required mercury-emissions reductions at cement plants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F16878-1|title=NY Plant at Heart of Cement-Making Air Pollution Battle|access-date=2010-11-10|archive-date=2011-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721155324/http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F16878-1|url-status=live}}</ref> Preliminary data published by the EPA for the year 2009 showed 145 pounds of mercury were recorded for the Ravena plant (total on- and off-site disposals). The plant has continued to perform within permitted limits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/signpost/index.html?VIEW=STFA&trilib=TRIQ0&TAB_RPT=1&_LINESPP=&sort=RE_TOLBY&INDUSTRY=ALL&FLD=RELLBY&FLD=TSFDSP&FLD=RE_TOLBY&sort_fmt=2&TopN=&STATE=36&COUNTY=All+counties&CHEMICAL=007439976&CHEMICAL=N458&YEAR=2009&BGCOLOR=|title=US EPA|website=www.epa.gov|access-date=2020-02-12|archive-date=2022-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019074341/https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/signpost/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2013, the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), in partnership with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, completed a public health assessment for communities near the Lafarge Cement Plant in Ravena, New York.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/investigations/lafarge/|title=Lafarge Cement Plant|website=www.health.ny.gov}}</ref>


In July 2013, the ], in partnership with the federal ], completed a public health assessment for communities near the Lafarge Cement Plant in Ravena, New York.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/investigations/lafarge/|title=Lafarge Cement Plant|website=www.health.ny.gov|access-date=2013-12-18|archive-date=2013-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221161449/http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/investigations/lafarge/|url-status=live}}</ref> Major findings and results from the NYS DOH Lafarge Cement Plant Health Assessment included:
Major findings and results from the NYS DOH Lafarge Cement Plant Health Assessment:
*Breathing the ground-level air concentrations of metals (e.g., mercury), ]s, ]s, ], ], ], ]s, ]s, ]s, ] and ] released in cement kiln stack emissions is not expected to harm people's health. *Breathing the ground-level air concentrations of metals (e.g., mercury), ]s, ]s, ], ], ], ]s, ]s, ]s, ] and ] released in cement kiln stack emissions is not expected to harm people's health.
*For the general public, breathing ground-level air concentrations of ] or ] released in the kiln stack emissions is not expected to harm people's health. *For the general public, breathing ground-level air concentrations of ] or ] released in the kiln stack emissions is not expected to harm people's health.
*Touching, breathing or accidentally eating dust that originated from the Ravena cement plant and other sources is not expected to harm the health of people who reside, work, or attend school in the community. *Touching, breathing or accidentally eating dust that originated from the Ravena cement plant and other sources is not expected to harm the health of people who reside, work, or attend school in the community.
*Current health status of the communities near the cement plant is similar to the health status of other areas in the region and state. *Current health status of the communities near the cement plant is similar to the health status of other areas in the region and state.
On 23 July 2013, under an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice and the state of New York, Lafarge North America Inc. agreed to fund $1.5 million in projects to reduce air pollution in the community surrounding its Ravena, New York cement plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/2e777a3c07b77bca85257bb1005a98cf!opendocument|title=07/23/2013: Lafarge North America Inc. Agrees to Environmental Projects as Part of Clean Air Act Agreement|website=yosemite.epa.gov}}</ref> The agreement also amends a March 2010 consent decree that the federal Environmental Protection Agency, New York and 11 other states entered into with Lafarge requiring the company to limit pollutant emissions from its 13 plants nationwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/92539.html|title=A.G. Schneiderman & DEC Commissioner Martens Announce Continuing Air Pollution Reductions - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation|website=www.dec.ny.gov}}</ref> On 23 July 2013, under an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice and the state of New York, Lafarge North America Inc. agreed to fund $1.5 million in projects to reduce air pollution in the community surrounding its Ravena, New York cement plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/2e777a3c07b77bca85257bb1005a98cf!opendocument|title=07/23/2013: Lafarge North America Inc. Agrees to Environmental Projects as Part of Clean Air Act Agreement|website=yosemite.epa.gov|access-date=2013-12-18|archive-date=2013-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219041215/http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/2e777a3c07b77bca85257bb1005a98cf!opendocument|url-status=live}}</ref> The agreement also amends a March 2010 consent decree that the federal Environmental Protection Agency, New York and 11 other states entered into with Lafarge requiring the company to limit pollutant emissions from its 13 plants nationwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/92539.html|title=A.G. Schneiderman & DEC Commissioner Martens Announce Continuing Air Pollution Reductions - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation|website=www.dec.ny.gov|access-date=2013-12-18|archive-date=2013-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018142247/http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/92539.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


Under the agreement, Lafarge North America will adhere to an updated schedule that provides Lafarge an additional 18 months to finish construction of a new modernized facility by 1 July 2016. At that time, the existing Ravena plant - which remains in compliance with all current environmental requirements - will be taken offline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge-na.com/wps/portal/na/en/1_8_1-Latest_NewsDetail?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connectlib_na/Site_na/AllPR/PressRelease_1384871431435/PR_Header|title=Press Room < About Us: Lafarge|publisher=}}</ref> Under the agreement, Lafarge North America would adhere to an updated schedule that provides Lafarge an additional 18 months to finish construction of a new modernized facility by 1 July 2016. At that time, the existing Ravena plant would be taken offline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lafarge-na.com/wps/portal/na/en/1_8_1-Latest_NewsDetail?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=%2Fwps%2Fwcm%2Fconnectlib_na%2FSite_na%2FAllPR%2FPressRelease_1384871431435%2FPR_Header|title=Press Room < About Us: Lafarge|access-date=2013-12-18|archive-date=2013-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219094622/http://www.lafarge-na.com/wps/portal/na/en/1_8_1-Latest_NewsDetail?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=%2Fwps%2Fwcm%2Fconnectlib_na%2FSite_na%2FAllPR%2FPressRelease_1384871431435%2FPR_Header|url-status=live}}</ref>


Lafarge's $300 million upgrade to its Ravena plant includes a new, German-designed dry-process ] that will replace two 50-year-old wet-process kilns. The new kiln will use less coal and emit fewer pollutants, including a 66% reduction in mercury emissions, while increasing production capacity. It will also take less water from the ], getting most of its water from the nearby limestone quarry that feeds the plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesunion.com/tuplus-business/article/New-less-polluting-cement-plant-rises-in-Ravena-6673902.php|title=New, less-polluting cement plant rises in Ravena|publisher=}}</ref> Lafarge's $300 million upgrade to its Ravena plant included a new, German-designed dry-process ] to replace two 50-year-old wet-process kilns. The new kiln was to use less coal and emit fewer pollutants, including a 66% reduction in mercury emissions, while increasing production capacity. It will also take less water from the ], getting most of its water from the nearby limestone quarry that feeds the plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesunion.com/tuplus-business/article/New-less-polluting-cement-plant-rises-in-Ravena-6673902.php|title=New, less-polluting cement plant rises in Ravena|date=3 December 2015 |access-date=2016-11-18|archive-date=2016-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118224145/http://www.timesunion.com/tuplus-business/article/New-less-polluting-cement-plant-rises-in-Ravena-6673902.php|url-status=live}}</ref>


Details of the agreement include that Lafarge North America will: Details of the agreement include that Lafarge North America will:
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*Make additional improvements to the environmental infrastructure at the existing Ravena plant; *Make additional improvements to the environmental infrastructure at the existing Ravena plant;
*Adopt new, stricter emission limits for SO2 and mercury; and *Adopt new, stricter emission limits for SO2 and mercury; and
*Set a strict, new timetable complete the Ravena plant modernization project. *Set a strict, new timetable to complete the Ravena plant modernization project.


====Canadian watersheds====
In July 2019, the company filed a request for a permit with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to increase the amount of water it moves from its gravel pits near ] in ], Canada into the local watershed.<ref>https://ero.ontario.ca/index.php/notice/019-0240#proponent(s), Lafarge Canada Inc. - Permit to take water Instrument type: Permit to take water</ref> According to a news report, "If it’s approved, the company would be permitted to take up to 27.7 million litres of water a day — more than half of the city’s average daily demand of 47 million litres" but a City of Guelph report stated that it would "add a groundwater water-taking of 21,718 m3/day to the existing permit". The company was already permitted to take just over six million litres per day. According to a Lefarge spokesperson, the company's plan was actually to move the water from the quarry and pump into nearby wetlands or the Speed River, not to take water from the area.<ref>https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/9558617-lafarge-water-taking-request-is-the-largest-guelph-has-seen/, Lafarge water-taking request is the largest Guelph has seen</ref><ref>https://guelph.ca/2019/08/information-about-the-citys-plans-to-provide-comment-on-lafarge-canadas-permit-to-take-water-application/, Information about the City’s plans to provide comment on LaFarge Canada’s water-taking application</ref> The Wellington Water Watchers lobby group expressed concern about how the discharged water might affect aquatic ecosystems downstream and believed that a full environmental review was necessary before the request for the permit should be allowed. "With climate change, there's all kinds of uncertainties that come into our long-term water security issues and we can no longer afford to play fast and loose with that", said the group's chair Robert Case.<ref>https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/9489964-lafarge-canada-looking-to-expand-quarry-operations-near-guelph/, Lafarge Canada looking to expand quarry operations near Guelph</ref>
In July 2019, the company filed a request for a permit with the Ontario ] to increase the amount of water it moves from its gravel pits near ] in ], Canada into the local watershed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ero.ontario.ca/index.php/notice/019-0240#proponent(s) |title=Lafarge Canada Inc. - Permit to take water Instrument type: Permit to take water |website=Environmental Registry of Ontario |date=4 July 2019 |access-date=23 August 2019 |archive-date=23 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823221252/https://ero.ontario.ca/index.php/notice/019-0240#proponent(s) |url-status=live }}</ref> According to a news report, "If it’s approved, the company would be permitted to take up to 27.7 million litres of water a day — more than half of the city’s average daily demand of 47 million litres" but a City of Guelph report stated that it would "add a groundwater water-taking of 21,718 m3/day to the existing permit". The company was already permitted to take just over six million litres per day. According to a Lafarge spokesperson, the company's plan was actually to move the water from the quarry and pump into nearby wetlands or the Speed River, not to take water from the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/9558617-lafarge-water-taking-request-is-the-largest-guelph-has-seen/ |title=Lafarge water-taking request is the largest Guelph has seen |website=guelphmercury.com |date=22 August 2019 |access-date=23 August 2019 |archive-date=23 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823221247/https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/9558617-lafarge-water-taking-request-is-the-largest-guelph-has-seen/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://guelph.ca/2019/08/information-about-the-citys-plans-to-provide-comment-on-lafarge-canadas-permit-to-take-water-application/ |title=Information about the City's plans to provide comment on LaFarge Canada's water-taking application |website=guelph.ca |date=12 August 2019 |access-date=23 August 2019 |archive-date=13 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813174549/http://guelph.ca/2019/08/information-about-the-citys-plans-to-provide-comment-on-lafarge-canadas-permit-to-take-water-application/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wellington Water Watchers advocacy group expressed concern about how the discharged water might affect aquatic ecosystems downstream and believed that a full environmental review was necessary before the request for the permit should be allowed. "With climate change, there's all kinds of uncertainties that come into our long-term ] issues and we can no longer afford to play fast and loose with that", said the group's chair Robert Case.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/9489964-lafarge-canada-looking-to-expand-quarry-operations-near-guelph/ |title=Lafarge Canada looking to expand quarry operations near Guelph |website=guelphmercury.com |date=5 July 2019 |access-date=23 August 2019 |archive-date=23 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823221255/https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/9489964-lafarge-canada-looking-to-expand-quarry-operations-near-guelph/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Board of directors== ==Board of directors==
The board of directors of Lafarge has 15 members appointed by the annual shareholders' meeting for a period of four years:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lafarge.com/wps/portal/5_6_1_1-Membres |title=Board of Directors |accessdate=13 February 2013}}</ref> The board of directors of Lafarge has 15 members appointed by the annual shareholders' meeting for a period of four years:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lafarge.com/wps/portal/5_6_1_1-Membres |title=Board of Directors |access-date=13 February 2013 |archive-date=6 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606002555/http://www.lafarge.com/wps/portal/5_6_1_1-Membres |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer: ] * Chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer: ]
* Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors: ] * Vice-chairman of the Board of Directors: ]
* Directors: ], ], ], Mina Gerowin, ], Luc Jeanneney, Gérard Lamarche, ], ], Christine Ramon, ], Ewald Simandl, ]. * Directors: ], ], ], Mina Gerowin, ], Luc Jeanneney, Gérard Lamarche, ], ], ], ], Ewald Simandl, ].
* Honorary Chairmen: ] and ] * Honorary Chairmen: ] and ]


Former members of the Board include ], ], ], ], ], ],{{cn|date=December 2023}} ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2016/08/17/490102648/the-clintons-wrote-the-book-on-how-politicians-climb-out-of-middle-class |publisher=] |accessdate=17 December 2023 |title=The Clintons Wrote The Book On How Politicians Climb Out Of Middle Class |date=17 August 2016 |first=Peter |last=Overby}}</ref>
Former members of the Board:
], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], .


==Financial data== ==Financial data==
The following is a summary of data:<ref name="AR2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.lafarge.com/04102012-press_publication-2011_annual_report-uk.pdf |title=Annual Report 2011 |accessdate=17 April 2011 |publisher=Lafarge}}</ref><ref name="AR2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.lafarge.com/06112009-press_publication-2009_annual_report-uk.pdf |title=Annual Report 2009 |accessdate=2010-03-14 |publisher=Lafarge}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opesc.org/fiche-societe/fiche-societe.php?entreprise=LAFARGE|title=Fiche d'entreprise|first=|last=OpesC|publisher=}}</ref> The following is a summary of data:<ref name="AR2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.lafarge.com/04102012-press_publication-2011_annual_report-uk.pdf |title=Annual Report 2011 |access-date=17 April 2011 |publisher=Lafarge }}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="AR2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.lafarge.com/06112009-press_publication-2009_annual_report-uk.pdf |title=Annual Report 2009 |access-date=2010-03-14 |publisher=Lafarge |archive-date=2012-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131155608/http://www.lafarge.com/06112009-press_publication-2009_annual_report-uk.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opesc.org/fiche-societe/fiche-societe.php?entreprise=LAFARGE|title=Fiche d'entreprise|last=OpesC|access-date=2007-09-28|archive-date=2008-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622173637/http://www.opesc.org/fiche-societe/fiche-societe.php?entreprise=LAFARGE|url-status=live}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" border="3" {| class="wikitable" border="3"
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By 29 February 2016 the company had a share value of 17.292 billion euros, distributed in 288,383,057 shares. By 29 February 2016 the company had a share value of 17.292 billion euros, distributed in 288,383,057 shares.


==Nature Reserves== ==Nature reserves==
Lafarge also own several nature reserves. An example of this is Brandon Marsh,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.planningportal.rugby.gov.uk/fastweb_upload/Planning%20Scanned%20Applications/R14-2179/4.0%20Design%20and%20Access%20Statement.pdf|title=Rugby Design and Access Statement}}</ref> in the UK, which is on an old quarry and an existing quarry is next door to it. Another example is the LaCouronne plant in France. It was never quarried but Lafarge bought some land and began to convert it into a 16.5 hectare nature reserve. Other nature reserves are Eardington Nature Reserve; Shropshire (UK), Medway Nature Reserve; Kent (UK) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.agg-net.com/news/lafarge-tarmac-renew-medway-nature-reserve-lease|title=Lafarge Tarmac renew Medway Nature Reserve lease &#124; Agg-Net|website=www.agg-net.com}}</ref> and NWT Besthorpe Nature Reserve; Trent Vale (UK). They own other nature reserves.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} Lafarge owns several nature reserves. An example of this is Brandon Marsh,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.planningportal.rugby.gov.uk/fastweb_upload/Planning%20Scanned%20Applications/R14-2179/4.0%20Design%20and%20Access%20Statement.pdf|title=Rugby Design and Access Statement|access-date=2020-01-18|archive-date=2020-09-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922063819/http://www.planningportal.rugby.gov.uk/fastweb_upload/Planning%20Scanned%20Applications/R14-2179/4.0%20Design%20and%20Access%20Statement.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> in the UK, which is on an old quarry and an existing quarry is next door to it. Another example is the LaCouronne plant in France. It was never quarried but Lafarge bought some land and began to convert it into a {{convert|16.5|hectare|acre|adj=on}} nature reserve. Other nature reserves are Eardington Nature Reserve; Shropshire (UK), Medway Nature Reserve; Kent (UK) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.agg-net.com/news/lafarge-tarmac-renew-medway-nature-reserve-lease|title=Lafarge Tarmac renew Medway Nature Reserve lease &#124; Agg-Net|website=www.agg-net.com|date=24 February 2015 |access-date=2020-01-18|archive-date=2020-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923063636/https://www.agg-net.com/news/lafarge-tarmac-renew-medway-nature-reserve-lease|url-status=live}}</ref> and NWT Besthorpe Nature Reserve; Trent Vale (UK).{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


{{Holcim}}
==External links==
{{Authority control}}
* {{official website|http://www.lafargeholcim.com}}

{{LafargeHolcim}}
{{Portal bar|Companies}} {{Portal bar|Companies}}
{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 19:09, 17 January 2025

French industrial company
This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (August 2023)
Lafarge
[REDACTED]
Company typeDivision
ISINFR0000120537 Edit this on Wikidata
IndustryBuilding materials
Founded1833 (1833)
FounderJoseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge
HeadquartersParis, France
Key peopleEric Olsen (Chairman and CEO)
ProductsCement, Construction aggregates, asphalt production and concrete
Revenue12.843 billion (2014)
Operating income€1.881 billion (2014)
Net income€770.36 million (2014)
Total assets€34.804 billion (end 2014)
Number of employees63,000 (end 2014)
ParentHolcim Group
Bags of Lafarge cement with the Blue Circle logo.

Lafarge is a French industrial company specialising in cement, construction aggregates, and concrete. It is the world's largest cement manufacturer. It was founded in 1833 by Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge and is a part of the Holcim Group.

In 2015, Lafarge merged with Holcim and a new company was formed under the name of LafargeHolcim. It was renamed to Holcim Group in 2021.

Lafarge was embroiled in the Lafarge scandal, in which it was convicted of financing terrorism and complicity in crimes against humanity by the US Department of Justice for paying $5.92 million to the terrorist groups ISIS and al-Nusra Front between 2013 and 2014 to keep its cement plant in Syria operating.

History

Foundation and development

Lafarge was founded in 1833 by Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge in Le Teil, France (Ardèche), to exploit the limestone quarry in Mont Saint-Victor between Le Teil and Viviers. The limestone is white and argillaceous, and yielded an eminently hydraulic lime. In 1864 Lafarge signed its first international contract for the delivery of 110,000 tonnes of lime to the Suez Canal construction project.

Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone

During the Second World War, Lafarge provided the Nazi regime with concrete for the French part of the Atlantic Wall. This maintained activity permitted the company to transition rapidly to the period of post-war reconstruction.

In 1980 Lafarge joined with the Belgian coal, coke and fertilizer company Coppée to become SA Lafarge Coppée.

Lafarge purchased a plant from the National Gypsum in early 1987. Ten years later, it bought Redland plc, a British quarry operator.

In 1999, Lafarge acquired a 100% shareholding in Hima Cement Limited, the second-largest cement manufacturer in Uganda, with an installed capacity of 850,000 metric tonnes annually, as of January 2011. That same year, Lafarge entered the Indian market through its cement business, with the acquisition of Tata Steel's cement activity. This acquisition was followed by the purchase of the Raymond Cement facility in 2001. In 2001, Lafarge, then the world's second largest cement manufacturer, acquired Blue Circle Industries (BCI), a British company which at the time was the world's sixth largest cement manufacturer, to become the world's largest cement manufacturer.

The Lafarge quarry on Kelleys Island, Ohio.

In 2006, Lafarge North America shareholders accepted a $3 billion tender offer from Lafarge Group which gave the parent company full control over the North American business, removing LNA from the New York Stock Exchange. Previously the group had owned 53% of LNA shares.

In 2007, it divested its roofing division, selling it to a private equity group in a deal that resulted in Lafarge retaining a 35% equity stake.

In December 2007, Lafarge announced the purchase of the Orascom Cement Group, an Egyptian-based cement producer with operations across Africa and the Middle East, from Orascom Construction Industries (OCI).

On 15 May 2008 Lafarge acquired Larsen & Toubro Ready Mix-Concrete (RMC) business in India for $349 million.

In 2009, Lafarge sells Canadian precast concrete company, Pre-Con to Armtec Infrastructure Income Fund.

In 2010, Lafarge strengthened its presence in Brazil (an agreement with Lafarge and STRABAG to create a common company in Cement in Central Europe).

In 2011, Lafarge SA announced it would build a cement plant in Langkat, North Sumatra, Indonesia with an investment of up to Rp 5 trillion ($585 million).

In 2011 Lafarge sold to Boral its stake in their common Asian Gypsum joint-venture LBGA (Lafarge Boral Gypsum Asia).

Lafarge launched three plants in Hungary, Syria and Nigeria and created a joint venture with Anglo American in the United Kingdom.

The group sold most of its European, South American, Asian and Australian gypsum operations.

In September 2013, Lafarge agreed to the sale of its 53.3 percent stake in its Honduras subsidiary Lafarge Cementos SA de CV to Cementos Argos for €232m.

In 2018, the Lafarge Cement plant located south of Kobanî, Syria was being used as a base of operations by 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment and United States Army forces.

in 2022, Lafarge Egypt, launched "Shatbna," an eco-friendly masonry cement with a 40% lower carbon footprint.

The company is active in Greece through the full ownership of Heracles General Cement, since 1991.

As of September 2024, The company is set to build a new cement plant in Serbia.

Merger with Holcim

On 7 April 2014, Lafarge and Holcim announced they had agreed to terms on a "merger of equals". The exchange ratio will be based on 9 Holcim shares for 10 Lafarge shares. The new company would be based in Switzerland and have a manufacturing capacity of 427 million tons a year would vastly exceed the 227 million ton capacity Anhui Conch. Lafarge CEO Bruno Lafont and Holcim Chairman Wolfgang Reitzle became co-chairmen of the new group. Eric Olsen, then Lafarge's Executive Vice-president in charge of Operations, became the CEO of the new group. Executives from both companies said the deal would save the new company 1.4 billion euros (US$1.9 billion) annually and create "the most advanced group in the building materials industry."

The deal faced significant regulatory obstacles, as 15 different jurisdictions could have potentially raised objections. The cement market in Europe is tightly consolidated and antitrust scrutiny of deals has been commonplace since the 1970s. To meet regulatory concerns, Holcim and Lafarge planned to sell or spinoff assets that generated about 5 billion euros (US$6.9 billion) of revenue in 2013 in areas of large overlap between the two companies. Lafont said the merger was aimed at rebalancing operations, not cutting costs. He said overlapping businesses would be sold, not closed, so industry job losses would be minimal.

Industry analysts said the deal would combine Holcim's marketing strength with Lafarge's edge in innovation, while providing significant cost savings, but cautioned "the road to merger clearance will be a long, complex and uncertain one." Others said the deal could lead to further mergers within the industry and give competitors a chance to pick up assets at a bargain price. Most analysts surveyed by Reuters felt the merger would be approved in the end.

The acquisition would turn it into the world's third-biggest building materials supplier. Analysts said that although it was broadly anticipated by the market. "The additional assets expand the company’s footprint in Eastern Europe and into Brazil and the Philippines. Given the well flagged nature of the deal, however, these benefits are largely reflected in the price at current levels," Alan Breen of Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland said.

On 10 July 2015, Lafarge merged with Holcim. On 15 July 2015, the new company was officially launched around the globe under the name of LafargeHolcim, which was later renamed as the Holcim Group on 8 July 2021.

Legal and environmental issues

Terrorist financing and complicity in crimes against humanity charges

Main article: Lafarge scandal

In June 2016, France opened an inquiry into the activities of Lafarge in Syria. The inquiry followed reports by French journalist Dorothée Myriam Kellou, published by Le Monde and France 24, which uncovered deals Lafarge made with an array of armed groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorist group, in order to keep its cement plant in Syria operating. ISIL captured the plant on 19 September 2014. In 2017 LafargeHolcim executives were investigated for these claims in the civil and criminal courts.

Lafarge sought to have the claims dismissed, arguing that the payments were intended to allow Lafarge to continue commercial activities, not to support ISIS, and that the company and its executives could not be held accountable for actions undertaken by its Syrian subsidiary. Initially, the Paris Court of Appeals agreed with Lafarge.

On 7 September 2021, the French Supreme Court confirmed charges of financing terrorism and endangering employees' lives. The Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) quashed the Court of Appeal ruling, determining that there was sufficient evidence, including minutes from Lafarge meetings, for the investigative judge to find Lafarge had "precise knowledge" of the nature of ISIS's activities. In the decision, the Supreme Court explained that "crimes against humanity are the most serious of crimes because beyond the attack on the individual, which it transcends, it targets and denies humanity." It found that for a conviction on complicity in crimes against humanity, Lafarge did not need to be a part of ISIS but "It is sufficient that has knowledge that the main perpetrators are committing or are about to commit such a crime against humanity and that by his aid or assistance, he facilitates the preparation or the commission thereof." The Court concluded that "the knowing payment of a sum of several million dollars to an organization whose object is only criminal is sufficient to characterize complicity by aiding and abetting." The Supreme Court referred the matter back to the Court of Appeal.

On 18 May 2022, the Investigative Chamber of the Paris Court of Appeals rejected a request by Lafarge to dismiss charges of complicity in crimes against humanity and endangering lives. In confirming the charges, the Court of Appeal judges found that "although informed that the actions of ISIS could constitute crimes against humanity, Lafarge, which could have put an end to the activities of LCS by asking it to close the plant, decided instead to continue this activity … even if it meant paying several million dollars to its groups".

In a statement, the company said it strongly disagreed with the Court of Appeal's decision to retain complicity in crimes against humanity within the scope of an investigation and said it would appeal the decision to France's Supreme Court.

On 17 October 2022, the United States Department of Justice reached a $777.8 million criminal plea agreement with Lafarge in the case. Executives with Lafarge agreed to the deal after paying $5.92 million to Islamic State and al-Nusra Front leaders and urging them to help the company keep its production facilities running, according to a company spokesman and law enforcement official.

Environmental issues

Cement plant in Frontignan, France.

Mercury emissions in New York

On 11 July 2008, the Albany Times Union reported that Lafarge's Ravena, New York plant "was the greatest source of mercury emissions in New York from 2004 to 2006" According to the story, plans had been made to upgrade the plant to reduce the mercury emissions. A second story published the following day, stated that the factory had emitted 400 pounds (181 kg) of mercury annually from 2004 to 2006.

In November 2010 Lafarge opposed new Environmental Protection Agency regulations in the United States that required mercury-emissions reductions at cement plants. Preliminary data published by the EPA for the year 2009 showed 145 pounds of mercury were recorded for the Ravena plant (total on- and off-site disposals). The plant has continued to perform within permitted limits.

In July 2013, the New York State Department of Health, in partnership with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, completed a public health assessment for communities near the Lafarge Cement Plant in Ravena, New York. Major findings and results from the NYS DOH Lafarge Cement Plant Health Assessment included:

On 23 July 2013, under an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice and the state of New York, Lafarge North America Inc. agreed to fund $1.5 million in projects to reduce air pollution in the community surrounding its Ravena, New York cement plant. The agreement also amends a March 2010 consent decree that the federal Environmental Protection Agency, New York and 11 other states entered into with Lafarge requiring the company to limit pollutant emissions from its 13 plants nationwide.

Under the agreement, Lafarge North America would adhere to an updated schedule that provides Lafarge an additional 18 months to finish construction of a new modernized facility by 1 July 2016. At that time, the existing Ravena plant would be taken offline.

Lafarge's $300 million upgrade to its Ravena plant included a new, German-designed dry-process cement kiln to replace two 50-year-old wet-process kilns. The new kiln was to use less coal and emit fewer pollutants, including a 66% reduction in mercury emissions, while increasing production capacity. It will also take less water from the Hudson River, getting most of its water from the nearby limestone quarry that feeds the plant.

Details of the agreement include that Lafarge North America will:

  • Invest $1.5 million in projects benefiting the local environment;
  • Make additional improvements to the environmental infrastructure at the existing Ravena plant;
  • Adopt new, stricter emission limits for SO2 and mercury; and
  • Set a strict, new timetable to complete the Ravena plant modernization project.

Canadian watersheds

In July 2019, the company filed a request for a permit with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to increase the amount of water it moves from its gravel pits near Guelph in Wellington County, Ontario, Canada into the local watershed. According to a news report, "If it’s approved, the company would be permitted to take up to 27.7 million litres of water a day — more than half of the city’s average daily demand of 47 million litres" but a City of Guelph report stated that it would "add a groundwater water-taking of 21,718 m3/day to the existing permit". The company was already permitted to take just over six million litres per day. According to a Lafarge spokesperson, the company's plan was actually to move the water from the quarry and pump into nearby wetlands or the Speed River, not to take water from the area. The Wellington Water Watchers advocacy group expressed concern about how the discharged water might affect aquatic ecosystems downstream and believed that a full environmental review was necessary before the request for the permit should be allowed. "With climate change, there's all kinds of uncertainties that come into our long-term water security issues and we can no longer afford to play fast and loose with that", said the group's chair Robert Case.

Board of directors

The board of directors of Lafarge has 15 members appointed by the annual shareholders' meeting for a period of four years:

Former members of the Board include Alain Joly, Michel Pébereau, Gérald Frère, Michel Bon, Philippe Dauman, Nassef Sawiris, Hillary Clinton.

Financial data

The following is a summary of data:

Financial data in millions of euro
Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Sales 13,698 14,610 13,658 14,436 15,969 16,909 17,614 19,033 15,884 14,834 15,284 15,816 15,198 12,843
EBITDA 2,862 3,101 2,820 3,028 2,920 3,610 4,183 4,618 3,600 3,614 3,217 3,450 3,102 2,721
Net results 750 446 728 868 1,096 1,372 1,909 1,598 736 827 593 432 601 143
Net debt 9,332 8,544 6,734 7,017 7,221 9,845 8,685 16,884 13,795 13,993 11,974 11,317 10,330 9,310
Staff 82,892 77,547 75,733 77,075 80,146 82,734 77,720 83,440 77,994 75,680 68,000 65,000 64,000 63,000

By 29 February 2016 the company had a share value of 17.292 billion euros, distributed in 288,383,057 shares.

Nature reserves

Lafarge owns several nature reserves. An example of this is Brandon Marsh, in the UK, which is on an old quarry and an existing quarry is next door to it. Another example is the LaCouronne plant in France. It was never quarried but Lafarge bought some land and began to convert it into a 16.5-hectare (41-acre) nature reserve. Other nature reserves are Eardington Nature Reserve; Shropshire (UK), Medway Nature Reserve; Kent (UK) and NWT Besthorpe Nature Reserve; Trent Vale (UK).

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