November 10, 2009 - A press release issued by Lafarge last Friday on the company’s third quarter 2009 results included highlights by business.

CEMENT

• Sales were -12% year-to-date and -16% in the quarter due to lower volumes led by difficult market conditions in Europe and North America.

•  Solid growth in key markets of the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

•  Current operating income -20% year-to-date and -19% in the quarter, driven by lower volumes and negative foreign exchange impact.

•  EBITDA margin remained strong at 34.8% in the third quarter, stable with last year despite sharp volume declines.

•  Pricing remained solid overall with a limited number of markets showing price declines.

•  Strong impact of the cost reduction program in all regions.

AGGREGATES & CONCRETE

• Sales -20% year-to-date and -26% in the quarter.

•  Current operating income -70% year-to-date and -55% in the quarter, reflecting the large presence in developed markets where volumes declined strongly.

•  Due to seasonality and exposure to mature markets, the declines in results more heavily impacted the Group in Q3 compared to previous quarters.

•  Continuing development of value-added concrete products.

•  Pricing improved overall across all product lines, with benefits seen from value-added products.

•  Strong impact of the cost reduction program in all regions.

GYPSUM

• Sales -13% year-to-date and -11% in the quarter.

•  Current operating income improved slightly compared to last year.

•  Volume declines resulting from a general slowdown of housing construction in mature markets partially mitigated by some price improvement.

•  Strong impact of the cost reduction program in all regions.

 INVESTMENTS AND DIVESTMENTS

•  Investments totalled €1,208 million year-to-date 2009, compared to €10,839 million in 2008.

• Sustaining capital expenditure decreased by 64% to €199 million year-to-date.
• Internal development capital expenditures declined by 20% to €926 million year-to-date.

•  Since January 1st, Lafarge has announced total divestments of nearly €800 million. Cash received from disposals amounted to €588 million, compared to €342 million in 2008.