{{short description|French industrial company}} {{Infobox company | name = Lafarge | logo = Lafarge.svg | type = Division | fate = | successor = | defunct = | foundation = {{sda|1833}} | founder = Joseph-Auguste Pavin de Lafarge | location = Paris, France | key_people = Eric Olsen (chairman and CEO) | industry = Building materials | products = Cement, Construction aggregates, asphalt production and concrete | 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 |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> | operating_income = €1.881 billion <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" /> | equity = | num_employees = 63,000 <small>(end 2014)</small><ref name="AR2014" /> | parent = Holcim Group | homepage = | caption = }} thumb|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.<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>
In the Lafarge scandal 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.<ref name="BBC2022"/><ref name="NYT2022"/>
==History== ===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 |access-date=2 January 2008 |archive-date=26 May 2008 |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 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.<ref name="history" /> [[File:Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, Hérault 05.jpg|thumb|left|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.<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 |trans-title = Following the dubious contracts in Syria, the cement manufacturer LafargeHolcim ready to build Trump's wall |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>
In 1980, Lafarge joined with the Belgian coal, coke and fertilizer company Coppée to become SA Lafarge Coppée.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}
Lafarge purchased a plant from the National Gypsum in early 1987.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wharton |first=George |date=23 March 2010 |title=Great Lakes Fleet Page Vessel Feature -- J.A.W. Iglehart |url=http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/jawiglehart.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323204429/http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/jawiglehart.htm |archive-date=23 March 2010}}</ref> Ten years later, it bought Redland plc, a British 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 |publisher=The Independent |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 percent 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://in2eastafrica.net/hima-cement-expands-factory/ |title=Hima Cement Expands Factory |access-date=2 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723155528/http://in2eastafrica.net/hima-cement-expands-factory/ |archive-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lafarge.in/ |title=Lafarge in India - Cement, concrete, aggregates |access-date=5 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |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 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.<ref name="history" />
[[File:LaFarge Kelleys Island Quarry.jpg|thumb|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 percent 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 2007, the company divested its roofing division, selling it to a private equity group under a deal that resulted in Lafarge retaining a 35 percent 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 Orascom Construction Industries (OCI).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/3bf1310e-a6f0-11dc-a25a-0000779fd2ac |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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100112033818/http://abclive.in/abclive_business/rmc-lafarge-india.html |archive-date=12 January 2010}}</ref>
In 2009, Lafarge sold the Canadian precast concrete company Pre-Con to Armtec Infrastructure Income Fund.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.pre-con.com/ |title=Pre-Con |website=pre-con.com |access-date=12 February 2020 |archive-date=20 February 2020 |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 magazine |last=Guerin‑Chapel |first=Anaïs |date=1 October 2010 |title=La durabilité des sablières. Approche méthodologique dans sa perspective territoriale, les sablières Lafarge Granulats Ouest (LGO) en Bretagne |trans-title = The sustainability of sand pits: A methodological approach in its territorial perspective, the Lafarge Granulats Ouest (LGO) sand pits in Brittany |magazine=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? |trans-title = France and Central Europe in the interwar period. An intelligence "Little Entente"? |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=23 February 2022 |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019074343/https://books.openedition.org/msha/18100 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
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).<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 |publisher = The Jakarta Post |access-date=4 July 2011 |archive-date=8 July 2011 |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 Boral 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 |publisher=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 Hungary, Syria and Nigeria and created a joint venture with Anglo American in the United Kingdom.{{when|date=May 2026}}
During early 2015, 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 |url = http://www.cemnet.com/Corporate/story/153062/lafarge.html |title = Lafarge - September 2013 |date = 3 October 2013 |website = CemNet.com |publisher = International Cement Review |access-date = 31 October 2013 |archive-date = 3 November 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131103060437/http://www.cemnet.com/Corporate/story/153062/lafarge.html |url-status = live}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |publisher=Anadolu Agency |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=19 June 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=10 July 2018 |archive-date=11 July 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=10 July 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=10 July 2018}}</ref>
During 2022, Lafarge Egypt launched "Shatbna," an eco-friendly masonry cement with a 40 percent 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=28 September 2024 |website=lafarge.com.eg |language=en}}</ref>
The company is active in Greece through the full ownership of Heracles General Cement, since 1991.<ref name="multiple">{{Cite news |url=https://www.lafarge.gr/oi-anthropoi-mas |title=Οι Άνθρωποι μας |trans-title = Our People |date=23 November 2017 |work=Όμιλος ΗΡΑΚΛΗΣ, τσιμέντο, σκυρόδεμα και αδρανή |access-date=17 October 2018 |language=el}}</ref>
In September 2024, Lafarge was in the process of building a new cement plant in Ratari near Obrenovac, within Serbia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=staff |first=Global Cement |date=23 August 2024 |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=3 October 2024 |website=globalcement.com}}</ref>
===Merger with Holcim=== 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=7 April 2014 |work=Bloomberg TV India |url=http://www.btvin.com/videos/watch/6607/holcim-agrees-to-merge-with-lafarge |access-date=4 August 2014 |archive-date=29 March 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=20 March 2015 |url=http://www.ft.com/fastft/296113/lafarge-holcim-crh-shares-rise-merger-saved |access-date=23 April 2015 |archive-date=19 October 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 Anhui Conch.<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=9 April 2015 |url=http://www.lafarge.com/en/04092015-Eric-Olsen-appointed-future-CEO-LafargeHolcim |access-date=23 April 2015 |archive-date=13 April 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 |first=David |last=Jolly |work=The 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>
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.<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 />
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 |first1=Natalie |last1=Huet |first2=Caroline |last2=Copley |date=7 April 2014 |work=Reuters |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/lafarge-holcim-idINDEEA3607P20140407 |access-date=9 April 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 |first1=Patrick |last1=Winters |first2=Francois |last2 = de Beaupuy |date=7 April 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=9 April 2014 |archive-date=9 January 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 Reuters 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 magazine |last=LEPKOWSKI |first=WIL |date=20 February 1989 |title=BHOPAL SETTLEMENT: Carbide to pay India $470 million |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/cen-v067n008.p004 |magazine=Chemical & Engineering News Archive |volume=67 |issue=8 |pages=4 |doi=10.1021/cen-v067n008.p004 |issn=0009-2347 |url-access=subscription}}</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 Holcim Group on 8 July 2021.<ref name=cnbctv18 />
== Legal and environmental issues ==
=== Terrorist financing and complicity in crimes against humanity charges === {{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 ''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.<ref name="France opens inquiry into Lafarge">.{{cite news |title=France opens inquiry into Lafarge deals with Syrian armed groups |author=France24 |date=13 June 2017 |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20170613-france-judicial-inquiry-lafargeholcim-syria-terrorism-jalabiya |access-date=25 September 2017 |archive-date=25 September 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=30 April 2018 |archive-date=30 April 2018 |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=10 March 2018 |work=The New York Times |access-date=30 April 2018 |last2=Peltier |first2=Elian |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |last3=Saad |first3=Hwaida |author3-link=Hwaida Saad |archive-date=18 April 2018 |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 |date=23 May 2022 |title=Paris Court of Appeal confirms charges against French Multinational Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity committed by ISIS |url=https://www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/paris-court-appeal-confirms-charges-against-french-multinational-lafarge-complicity-crimes |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |access-date=30 September 2022 |publisher=Doughty Street Chambers}}</ref> 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.<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 "crimes against humanity 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 |author=Court de cassation |date=7 September 2021 |title=Court de cassation Pourvoi no. 19-87.367 |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= |url-status=live |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= |archive-date=30 September 2022 |access-date=30 September 2022}}</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 [the accused] 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"/>
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".<ref name="Paris Court of Appeal confirms charges against French Multinational Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity committed by ISIS"/>
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 |author=ECCHR |date=May 18, 2022 |title=Charges Confirmed against Lafarge for Complicity in Crimes against Humanity in Syria |url=https://www.ecchr.eu/en/press-release/charges-confirmed-against-lafarge-for-complicity-in-crimes-against-humanity-in-syria/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=18 May 2022 |access-date=18 May 2022}}</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=6 July 2022 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |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>
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.<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>
On 13 April 2026, French court found Lafarge guilty of financing terrorist groups in Syria, by paying millions of euros to organizations like ISIS and al-Nusra between 2013–2014. The court also convicted several former executives involved in the scheme.<ref>{{Cite news |title=French cement maker Lafarge found guilty of financing jihadists in Syria |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/french-cement-maker-lafarge-found-guilty-financing-jihadists-syria-2026-04-13 |work=Reuters |date=13 April 2026 |last=Jabkhiro |first=Juliette |access-date=13 April 2026}}</ref>
===Environmental issues=== [[File:Lafarge, ZI Horizon Sud, Frontignan, Hérault 01.jpg|thumb|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"<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=29 July 2008 |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 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=29 July 2008 |publisher=Albany Times Union}}</ref>
In November 2010, Lafarge opposed new Environmental Protection Agency 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=10 November 2010 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |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=United States Environmental Protection Agency |access-date=12 February 2020 |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019074341/https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/signpost/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/investigations/lafarge/ |title=Lafarge Cement Plant |website=www.health.ny.gov |access-date=19 December 2013 |archive-date=21 December 2013 |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: * Breathing the ground-level air concentrations of metals (e.g., mercury), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, carbon monoxide, lead, particulate matter, dioxins, furans, hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds and ammonia released in cement kiln stack emissions is not expected to harm people's health. * For the general public, breathing ground-level air concentrations of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide 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. * 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 |date=23 July 2013 |title=Lafarge North America Inc. Agrees to Environmental Projects as Part of Clean Air Act Agreement |url=http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/2e777a3c07b77bca85257bb1005a98cf!opendocument |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219041215/http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/2e777a3c07b77bca85257bb1005a98cf!opendocument |archive-date=19 December 2013 |access-date=18 December 2013 |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 |access-date=18 December 2013 |archive-date=18 October 2013 |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 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=18 December 2013 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |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 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.<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=18 November 2016 |archive-date=18 November 2016 |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: * 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.<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 water security 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== 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: Bruno Lafont * Vice-chairman of the Board of Directors: Oscar Fanjul * Directors: Philippe Charrier, Juan Gallardo, Ian Gallienne, Mina Gerowin, Jérôme Guiraud, Luc Jeanneney, Gérard Lamarche, Hélène Ploix, Baudouin Prot, Christine Ramon, Michel Rollier, Ewald Simandl, Véronique Weill. * Honorary Chairmen: Bertrand P. Collomb and Bruno Lafont
Former members of the Board include Alain Joly, Michel Pébereau, Gérald Frère, Michel Bon, Philippe Dauman, Nassef Sawiris,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-06-04 |title=Nassef Sawiris |url=https://www.lafargeholcim.com/nassef-sawiris-board-directors |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729051542/https://www.lafargeholcim.com/nassef-sawiris-board-directors |archive-date=2018-07-29 |access-date=2025-12-23 |work=LafargeHolcim.com |language=en}}</ref> Hillary Clinton.<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=NPR |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>
==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 |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" |+ '''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,<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=18 January 2020 |archive-date=22 September 2020 |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 | Agg-Net |website=agg-net.com |date=24 February 2015 |access-date=18 January 2020 |archive-date=23 September 2020 |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== {{Reflist}}
{{Holcim}} {{Authority control}} {{Portal bar|Companies}}
Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1833 Category:Cement companies Category:Cement companies of France Category:French companies established in 1833 Category:Manufacturing companies based in Paris Category:1833 establishments in France Category:French brands Category:Holcim Group Category:Companies formerly listed on Euronext Paris Category:Companies in the MADEX Category:Building materials companies of France Category:2015 mergers and acquisitions