Vicat announces a 15% increase in its turnover in the first quarter

Over the three months, the cement activity grew by 15,1%, that of concrete and aggregates by 10,6%, and the rest of the service activities by 22,5%.

"In a still worrying health context, the measures put in place by the group in the first half of 2020 have enabled it to seize growth opportunities in its markets and to take advantage of government measures to revive economic activity and the sector. construction in particular, "said its CEO Guy Sidos, quoted in a press release Wednesday evening.

The group also benefited from a "favorable basis of comparison, particularly in France, India and Italy", where the first quarter of 2020 was marked by the abrupt cessation of activities at the time of confinements.

The family group, which employs more than 9.000 people in 12 countries (France, Switzerland, Italy, United States, Turkey, Egypt, Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Kazakhstan, India and Brazil), is particularly pleased with a good recovery in France, as well as in the United States and Brazil.

In Egypt, quarterly sales amounted to 15 million euros, up 33,5% at constant scope and exchange rates.

In Africa, it increased by 13%, to 80 million euros, due to the "dynamism" of the West African market, particularly in Senegal, as well as the "rise" of a new mill in Mali.

In the first quarter, the group's net debt stood at 1,27 billion euros against 1,39 billion at March 31, 2020.

For 2021, Vicat notes that its 12 countries of operation remain affected by the Covid-19 epidemic but "to different degrees" with a "high volatility" of activity.

He warns that "unfavorable changes in exchange rates observed in 2020 will have a negative impact on the whole of 2021", as will energy costs expected to rise, with a "more marked" effect on the market. second semester.

This year, the group is continuing its investment efforts, in particular with the construction of a new furnace in Ragland (United States) and the desire to increase the capacity of its production tools in India.