Ciments Français - Italcementi Group

Established in 1881, Ciments Français remained a national company with a single product (cement) for nearly a century.
In the middle of the 1970’s, Ciments Français had to face the crisis that struck the entire European cement industry. The company adapted itself to this new environment through the modernization of its production tool in France and the strengthening of its scientific and technical potential.
At the same time, Ciments Français started a strategic redeployment, both in terms of business sectors and geography with:
- the cement downstream integration in construction materials:
aggregates and ready-mixed concrete;
- the internationalization of the Group’s operations in North
America, Europe and Morocco.
In April 1992, the Italian group Italcementi acquired a controlling interest in Ciments Français, thus becoming one of the world cement leaders. Both groups share a long past as cement producers with a technological lead enabling them to rely on the latest and most effective tools.
A new strategy refocusing on the core business of cement, geographic repositioning, cost reduction and improvement in profitability was then implemented.
As early as 1998, Ciments Français reintroduced its policies of external growth and consolidated its international presence with the acquisition of companies in Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Morocco, Thailand and India. As part of the plan to further enhance its position around the Mediterranean rim, in 2005 the Group boosted its investments in Egypt becoming the market leader. In 2006 and 2007 Ciments Français strengthened its presence in Asia and the Middle East through acquisitions in China and Kuwait.