The Annual General Assembly of Shareholders of HERACLES CEMENT was concluded successfully

Dividend, increased by 33%, reaches euros 0.40 per share

The Annual General Assembly of Shareholders of HERACLES GENERAL CEMENT COMPANY S.A. was held today, Friday, June 11th 2004, in Athens.

The shareholders approved the Directors' report and the financial results of the Company for the year 2003. They also approved the distribution of dividend of euros 0.40 per share for 2004, increased by 33% compared to the dividend for 2002.

The beneficiaries of the dividend are all shareholders of the Company by the end of the session of the Athens Stock Exchange on June 11th 2004. The payment of dividend will commence on Monday, July 19th 2004.

During the Annual General Assembly, Albert Corcos, Managing Director of Heracles, emphasized that the main objective of the company is to create value for its shareholders, employees, customers and all stakeholders. According to Mr. Corcos 'For HERACLES the benefits of the multinational experience of the Lafarge Group are now visible. HERACLES is experiencing a period of stability where, with new perceptions and mentality, (the company) is strengthening its position in the market and is ensuring long-term development.'

HERACLES Group of Companies announced sales of ? 607 million in 2003, up 8.7% compared with the previous year. Operating income of the Group amounted to ? 122.7 million, up 18.4% compared to last year.

HERACLES Group of Companies, a member of Lafarge, has 3 cement plants in Greece. One in Volos, which is the largest cement plant in Europe, one in Halkis Evia and one in Milaki Evia. The total production capacity of the Group is 9.6 million tonnes annually, which makes it the largest cement producer in Greece. HERACLES Group is also active in the production and sale of ready-mix and aggregate products.

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, and employs 75,000 people in 75 countries. The Group holds top-ranking positions in all four of its Divisions: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete, Roofing and Gypsum. Lafarge posted sales of euros 13.6 billion in 2003.