Publication date: 15 November 2016

The media has reported the filing of a legal complaint related to the operation of Lafarge's subsidiary in Syria in 2013-2014.  In 2013, the Lafarge manufacturing site in Jalabiyeh was in the middle of a violent conflict zone and the Group's top priority was the safety of its employees...[W]hen the conflict quickly escalated in the area around the plant, Lafarge put a plan in place to progressively evacuate the site.  In September 2014, fewer than 30 employees from the original workforce of 240 were on site when the plant was closed.  These remaining employees were evacuated safely from the plant...All the employees at the plant were paid until December 2015.  Today, the plant is occupied by foreign special forces from the coalition.  The LafargeHolcim Group reconfirms that it has launched a thorough and independent investigation into the allegations.  This investigation, currently underway, is being conducted by several law firms...The Group’s Code of Business Conduct requires strict compliance with all applicable laws, including international law, in all countries in which it operates.  The Group completely rejects the concept of financing of designated terrorist groups.  The investigation will determine whether rules have been followed and if processes need to be adapted.  The Group will implement any remediation measures required.