Lafarge has made acquisitions in Thailand , India and Japan . The group's net profit in 2000 rose 18 per cent to E 726 million from E 614 million in 1999 . Operating income on ordinary activities rose 17 per cent to E 1.90 billion , on sales 16 per cent higher at E 12.22 billion . Lafarge said the results reflected a greater contribution from emerging markets , efficient control of rising energy costs - partly by burning alternative fuels such as condemned animal feed as a result of the spread of mad cow disease and the successful integration of new acquisition . Page 4 of 8 Oher news this month I. Rising realisations boost stock prices of cement cos.
Builders see inflow from southern cos.
Cement sector set for consolidation . V. Cement majors weigh Rs 10 hike in prices. NBCC bags projects worth RS 133 crore.