6 - Vicat

12InFoRMAtIonon tRenDs12.1. recent events 9212.2. trends and objectives 9312.2.1. trends 2010 9312.2.2. trends up to 2012 9412.2.3. industrial investments 9412.1. rEcEnt EVEntSThe Group announced on January 12, 2011 that ithas issued US $ 450 million and € 60 million in bonddebt via a private placement in the US market.The issue, which was largely oversubscribed,illustrates the Group’s determination to maintainhealthy diversification of its sources of financingand to extend the maturity of its debt. The proceedsfrom the transaction will be used to repay certaincredit lines early and significantly extend the averagematurity of the Group’s debt. This now stands at fiveyears, compared with slightly more than two yearsprior to the transaction.On January 19, 2011, the Group announced theacquisition of L. Thiriet et Cie, a company basedat Hériménil in the Meurthe-et-Moselle departmentspecialising in the production of Concrete &Aggregates. L. Thiriet & Cie employs 105 staff andoperates three concrete plants and four alluvialaggregates and massive rock quarries with a totalannual capacity of around 100,000 m 3 in concreteand 500,000 tonnes in aggregates. In 2009,L. Thiriet & Cie posted sales of €19 million. Throughthis acquisition, Vicat has expanded and reinforcedits operations in the south of the Lorraine region. L.Thiriet & Cie’s public works segment will be managedby a Vicat partner active in this area.92 VICAT 2010 registration document