“In Romania, cement volumes strongly increased, supported by several projects started early in the year in a positive business environment and thanks to good weather conditions,” the company said in a statement.
For 2015, Lafarge estimates a 2%-5% growth in cement sales in Romania.
Lafarge will be selling its Romanian operations to Ireland’s CRH in the first half of the year, as part of its merger with Swiss manufacturer Holcim.
At the beginning of February, CRH reached an agreement with Holcim and Lafarge to acquire the bulk of assets the two companies are selling, including those in Romania, for EUR6.5 billion.
Holcim and Lafarge agreed to merge in April last year to create the world’s largest cement producer, with annual sales totaling around EUR40 billion.
Globally, Lafarge cement sales fell 3% in volume in the first quarter, to 25 million tons.
Lafarge’s EBITDA rose 17% in the first quarter, to EUR403 million, while the group’s sales increased 6%, to EUR2.78 billion.
Lafarge shareholders will meet on May 8 to approve the merger with Holcim.