Heracles G.C.Co. Group of companies announced today sales of 141.2 million Euros for the first quarter of 2006 increased by 17.4% compared to the correspondent quarter of 2005. Company's sales for the first quarter of 2006 amounted to 127.1 million Euros, increased by 17.4% compared to the relevant period of 2005. The increase of the turnover is mainly due to the increase in the domestic sales volumes by 21% the first quarter of 2006 compared to the same period of 2005 and also to the recovery of the sales prices in the exports markets. The dynamic shown by the domestic cement market during the first quarter of 2006 is due to the big increase of the private construction activity, mostly because of the realization of new buildings permits, which were issued following on 2005 and also due to the good weather conditions. Earnings before taxes, interests and depreciations (EBITDA) for the Group amounted to 14.2 million compared to 8.2 million Euros the same period of 2005. Correspondingly, net income before taxes for the Group for the same period amounted to 2.6 million Euros compared to loss of 3.2 million Euros the 1st quarter of 2005. The investments in fixed assets of the Group amounted to 5.1 million Euros for the 1st quarter of 2006 compared to 4.5 million Euros the corresponding period of 2005, increased by 13.3%.

HERACLES Group of Companies, member of Lafarge, is the larger cement producer in Greece, with production capacity of 9.6 million tones per year and the largest cement exporter in Europe. Focused in Sustainable Development creates value for all its stakeholders contributing to the economy and to the local communities where operates. With three cement plants: Volos plant (the largest in Europe), Halkis Plant, Milaki Plant and seven Terminals has a production activity in 29 prefectures around Greece. The Group is also active in the aggregates sector and in the production and trading of concrete. Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all four of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete, Roofing & Gypsum. With 80,000 in 76 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 16 billion in 2005. To make advances in building materials, Lafarge places the customer at the heart of its concerns. It offers the construction industry and the general public innovative solutions bringing greater safety, comfort and quality to their everyday surroundings.

Additional information is available on the web site at www.lafarge.com