Lafarge SA was a French multinational corporation that produced cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete. The company operated as the world’s largest cement manufacturer before merging with Holcim in 2015.
Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge founded the company in 1833 in Le Teil, France. He started by exploiting a limestone quarry in Mont Saint-Victor. The quarry produced high-quality hydraulic lime that became the foundation for a global building materials empire.
At its peak, Lafarge operated 113 cement plants and 42 grinding plants across 56 countries. The company employed over 63,000 workers and served construction projects ranging from residential homes to major infrastructure developments worldwide.
Lafarge SA History
Lafarge SA Founder
Lafarge SA Acquisitions
Lafarge built its global presence through strategic acquisitions over 180 years. The company targeted cement producers and aggregates businesses across multiple continents to become the industry leader.
In 1997, Lafarge acquired Redland plc, a major British quarry operator. This purchase strengthened the company’s aggregates and ready-mix concrete operations in the UK and North America. Two years later, Lafarge entered the Indian market by acquiring Tata Steel’s cement division. The company also purchased Hima Cement Limited in Uganda during the same year.
The Blue Circle Industries acquisition in 2001 transformed Lafarge into the world’s largest cement manufacturer. Blue Circle ranked as the sixth largest cement producer globally at the time. This deal cost approximately $7.6 billion and doubled Lafarge’s production capacity in key markets.
Lafarge continued expanding in North America by acquiring full control of Lafarge North America in 2006. The $3 billion tender offer removed the subsidiary from the New York Stock Exchange. In 2007, the company purchased Orascom Cement Group from Orascom Construction Industries, gaining cement plants across Africa and the Middle East.
The company acquired Larsen and Toubro’s Ready Mix Concrete business in India for $349 million in 2008. Lafarge also built new plants in Hungary, Syria, Nigeria, and Indonesia during this expansion period. These investments positioned Lafarge as a dominant force in emerging markets before the Holcim merger.
Lafarge SA Market Cap
Lafarge SA traded on the Euronext Paris exchange under the ticker LAFP. At the time of the Holcim merger announcement in April 2014, the combined companies held a market value exceeding $50 billion.
Lafarge SA Revenue
Lafarge generated approximately €15 billion in annual revenue at its peak. The cement division contributed the largest share, followed by aggregates and ready-mix concrete operations across 62 countries.
Lafarge SA Competitors
Lafarge competed against major cement and building materials producers worldwide. The company held the top position until merging with its closest rival Holcim in 2015. Key competitors included HeidelbergCement from Germany and CRH plc from Ireland.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Products |
|---|---|---|
| Holcim | Switzerland | Cement, Aggregates, Concrete |
| HeidelbergCement | Germany | Cement, Aggregates, Concrete |
| Cemex | Mexico | Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete |
| CRH plc | Ireland | Building Materials, Aggregates |
| Anhui Conch Cement | China | Cement, Clinker |
| Italcementi | Italy | Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete |
| Buzzi Unicem | Italy | Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete |
| Votorantim Cimentos | Brazil | Cement, Aggregates, Concrete |
| Taiheiyo Cement | Japan | Cement, Mineral Resources |
| Dangote Cement | Nigeria | Cement |
FAQs
When was Lafarge SA founded?
Lafarge SA was founded in 1833 by Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge in Le Teil, France. The company started as a limestone quarry operation.
What happened to Lafarge SA?
Lafarge merged with Swiss competitor Holcim on 10 July 2015 to form LafargeHolcim. The combined entity rebranded as Holcim Group in 2021.
What products did Lafarge SA manufacture?
Lafarge manufactured cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and gypsum products. The company operated cement plants and concrete facilities across 62 countries worldwide.
Where was Lafarge SA headquartered?
Lafarge SA was headquartered in Paris, France. After merging with Holcim, the combined company established headquarters in Switzerland.
How much was the Lafarge Holcim merger worth?
The Lafarge Holcim merger valued the combined companies at nearly $60 billion. The deal created the world’s largest cement and building materials company.