France: Vicat Group has reported Euro1.16bn in consolidated sales for its cement division in 2012, a slight rise of 1.6% from Euro1.14bn in 2011. The French multinational cement producer commented that it had benefited from growth in emerging markets and a recovery in Turkey and the United States. Overall, sales rose by 1.2% to Euro2.29bn from Euro2.27bn.

Sales in the US rose by 18.7% to Euro196m from Euro165m. This was mirrored by the cement division, which had sales of Euro91.2m in 2012. Prices remained on average lower than in 2011. In Turkey, India and Kazakhstan sales rose by 27% to Euro442m from Euro348m. Cement sales for this division were Euro376.6m, led by continued growth of 10.9% in Turkey and with new plants coming on line at Bharathi Cement in India and Jambyl Cement in Kazakhstan.

In less well performing regions, Vicat noted that cement sales fell in France by 11.6% to Euro392m in 2012. It blamed the decline on a fall of 13% in volumes due to adverse weather, completion of major projects and a more 'challenging' industry environment. However it did record a slight increase in selling prices in 2012. In Africa and the Middle East sales fell by 11.3% to Euro364m from Euro411m. Cement sales were Euro342m. Major sales decline was noted in Egypt, where sales fell by 27% in 2012 due to volume contraction. Operations were effected by a fuel shortage until October 2012 and the poor security situation. Political unrest in Mali caused problems for the Group's West African results.

Sales in Europe outside of France rose by 2% to Euro411m from Euro403m. Cement sales were Euro175.6m for this region. Notably cement sales in Switzerland rose by 5% over the year and close to 18% year-on-year in the fourth quarter. Overall the group's business contracted by 15% in Italy in 2012.

For its outlook Vicat expects to benefit gradually from investments made over the since 2007 as global economic conditions recover.