Holcim’s sales rose 31% in 2008, above the competition’s growth pace

At group level, Holcim’s net profit plunged 52 percent in 2008, to €1.12 bln, according to the annual report by the Swiss group. Sales also fell 3.5 percent last year, to €15.8 bln.

In Europe, sales reached CHF 10.04 billion (some €6.8 bln), down 3.4 percent year-on-year. In terms of volume, cement sales slid 1.7 percent, to 33.7 million tons. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) declined 16.5 percent last year, to CHF 2 bln.

Holcim forecasts that this will be a difficult year for the construction and construction material sectors, which will reflect in a drop in demand for the group’s products, even in the Eastern and Southeastern parts of Europe. Thus, the cement producer will focus on maintaining financial stability. Holcim’s main competitors in Romania are Lafarge (France), and HeidelbergCement (Germany).