6 - Vicat

BUSINESS OVERVIEW6 6.1. OVERVIEW OF THE GROUP’S BUSINESSES6.1. OVERVIEW OF THE GROUP’S BUSINESSESThe following diagram shows the physical flow of production and the integration of the Group’s activities.LimestoneWater &AdditivesRaw meal Clinker CementConcreteClayAggregatesPrinting &writing paperPrefabricationTransportConstructionchemistryCementThe Group's main businesses [Cement, Concrete & Aggregates]Printing &writing paperThe Group's complementary businesses [Other Products & Services]Cement : cement is a hydraulic binder which formsa part of the composition of concrete ; its raw materialsare limestone and clay. In contact with water,the cement silicates and aluminates reorganize andform a crystalline structure, which gives the strengthto concrete.Ready-mixed concrete : concrete is obtained bymixing cement, aggregates, water and additives.Depending on the work for which it is intended andthe environment to which it will be exposed, concreteis mixed, dosed and used specifically to meet precisequality and performance criteria.Aggregates : aggregates are sands and natural gravelsused in the construction of civil engineeringworks, public works and buildings. A significantquantity of these aggregates is used in the manufactureof concrete, with the remainder being intendedfor highway construction.Other Products & Services : the Group also operatesin activities complementary to its three main businesses,which enables it to develop synergies, optimizecosts and improve customer service. These activitiesare transport, construction chemicals, production ofpaper and paper bags and prefabricated concreteproducts.As at December 31, 2009, the Group employed 6,669people worldwide, and recorded nearly 55.5 % of itssales outside France.Consolidated sales allocated by business2009 Change2008 2007millions of euros % 2009/2008 millions of euros % millions of euros %Cement 950 50.1 + 2.3 % 929 45.2 929 43.5Concrete & Aggregates 696 36.7 - 17.7 % 845 41.1 914 42.8Other Products& Services250 13.2 - 11.5 % 283 13.7 293 13.7Total 1,896 100 - 7.8 % 2,057 100 2,136 1002009 registration document - VICAT 29