Document:

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                                                                    Exhibit 10.2

                                OPTION AGREEMENT

        This Option Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of
July 11, 2001 by and between Lafarge SA, a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of France ("Lafarge"), and Lafarge Corporation, a Maryland
corporation ("Lafarge Corp.").

                                    RECITALS

        A.      Lafarge, by means of its acquisition of Blue Circle Industries
PLC ("BCI"), acquired BCI's U.S. businesses, including (i) five full-production
cement plants, a slag grinding facility, eleven cement terminals, thirteen pits
and quarries for producing aggregates, sixty-one ready-mixed concrete plants and
several concrete block operations, all as owned and operated by Blue Circle
North America, an Alabama corporation ("BCNA"), and as listed on Exhibit A
hereto (collectively, the "Existing Assets"), and (ii) certain assets and
operations of BCNA which have been or are currently being divested to third
parties.

        B.      By agreement of even date herewith (the "Management Agreement"),
Lafarge Corp. has agreed to manage the Existing Assets on the terms and
conditions set forth therein.

        C.      Lafarge Corp. desires to secure from Lafarge the exclusive right
and option to purchase the Existing Assets, plus any additional assets purchased
by BCNA and/or Lafarge on behalf of BCNA during the term of this Agreement and
in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein (but excluding any
assets permitted to be divested to third parties in accordance with the terms
and conditions set forth herein) (collectively, the "Assets").

        D.      Lafarge is willing, in order to induce Lafarge Corp. to enter
into the Management Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, to
grant and extend to Lafarge Corp. such right and option, together with a right
of first refusal with respect to the Assets, subject to and in accordance with
the terms and conditions set forth herein.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, Lafarge hereby grants and extends to Lafarge Corp., upon the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the exclusive right and option (the
"Option") to purchase the Assets during the Exercise Period (as herein defined)
and a right of first refusal (the "Right of First Refusal") to acquire the
Assets during the Right of First Refusal Term (as herein defined).

        1.      Term. The term of this Agreement (the "Term") shall commence on
the date hereof and terminate upon the expiration or termination of the Right of
First Refusal Term. The period during which the Option is exercisable (the
"Exercise Period") shall commence on July 1, 2002 and shall continue in full
force and effect until 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, on December 31, 2004, or the
effective date of the earlier termination by Lafarge Corp. of the Management
Agreement. The Option may be terminated by Lafarge Corp. at any time upon
written notice to Lafarge. The term of the Right of First Refusal (the "Right of
First Refusal Term") shall commence upon the expiration or termination of the
Exercise Period and shall continue in full force and effect until the first
anniversary of such date.

<PAGE>   2

        2.      Option Price. The option price for the Assets under the Option
shall be $1.4 billion, subject to adjustment as provided below (the "Option
Price"), payable to Lafarge at the time of Closing (as defined in Section 3) by
wire transfer of immediately available funds as follows:

        The Option Price shall be equal to $1.4 billion, plus:

                (i)     the amount of Developmental Capital Expenditures
        actually incurred by BCNA after December 31, 2000 and prior to Closing;
        and

                (ii)    an amount equal to the purchase price paid by BCNA
        and/or Lafarge on behalf of BCNA for assets (other than the Existing
        Assets and sustaining capital expenditures made in accordance with
        Lafarge's capital expenditure policies as practiced by Lafarge Corp.)
        acquired after the date hereof and included in the Assets purchased by
        Lafarge Corp. at Closing, provided such acquisitions are authorized in
        advance by the parties hereto;

        and minus:

                (i)     the amount of any contingencies and/or liabilities of
        BCNA which are assumed by Lafarge Corp. or to which the Assets purchased
        by Lafarge Corp. pursuant to the exercise of the Option remain subject
        at Closing, provided such contingencies and/or liabilities relate to
        assets not subject to the Option or otherwise divested to third parties;

                (ii)    the replacement cost of any Assets which are
        substantially damaged by fire, casualty, the elements or any other cause
        damaged during the Term, to the extent such Assets are not replaced with
        assets of like kind or the right to receive insurance proceeds arising
        from such damage are not assigned to Lafarge Corp. at Closing; and

                (iii)   the gross selling price received by BCNA for
        divestitures of Assets made outside of the ordinary course of business.
        Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the sale or divestiture of any
        Asset listed on Exhibit A shall be deemed to be a divestiture outside of
        the ordinary course of business for purposes of this subsection (iii).

        In addition, the parties will negotiate as part of the definitive
purchase agreement an adjustment to the Option Price for changes in working
capital of BCNA that have occurred from and after December 31, 2000 until the
Closing date.

        For purposes of this Section 2, "Developmental Capital Expenditures"
shall mean capital expenditures made with respect to Assets purchased by Lafarge
Corp. pursuant to the exercise of the Option (including without limitation, an
estimated $160 million of developmental capital expenditures incurred with
respect to the expansion and modernization of BCNA's Calera cement plant) but
shall expressly exclude sustaining capital expenditures made in accordance with
Lafarge's capital expenditure policies as practiced by Lafarge Corp. Capital
expenditures of up to $35.7 million incurred by BCNA after December 31, 2000 and
prior to Closing for specified environmental projects with respect to BCNA's
Ravena facilities and specified operating equipment upgrades for BCNA's ready
mix concrete and aggregate operations in Georgia, to the extent required prior
to Closing, shall be deemed to be sustaining capital

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expenditures that shall not affect the Option Price; provided, however, that if
and to the extent such required capital expenditures (up to a maximum of $35.7
million) are not made by BCNA prior to Closing and are required to be made after
the Closing, then the Option Price shall be reduced on a post-Closing basis by
the amount of such capital expenditures.

        3.      Exercise of Option. At any time during the Option Term, Lafarge
Corp. may give written notice to Lafarge of its exercise of the Option to
purchase the Assets. Such notice shall include a representation that the
exercise of the Option has been approved by the committee of independent
directors of Lafarge Corporation formed to consider, among other things, issues
related to this Agreement.

        The closing of the purchase of the Assets (the "Closing") shall be held
as soon as reasonably practicable following the exercise of the Option and: (a)
the negotiation by the parties of a definitive purchase agreement providing for
the purchase of the Assets (other than cash) and the assumption by Lafarge Corp.
of all related liabilities (other than debt for borrowed money or liabilities
related to BCNA assets not subject to the Option or otherwise divested to third
parties) on an "as is, where is" basis without representation or warranties
(except customary representations and warranties as to unencumbered title) as to
the Assets or liabilities and containing such other terms and conditions as the
parties shall agree; and (b) the receipt of necessary approvals, including, if
required by law, regulation or listing requirement, the approval of the
shareholders of Lafarge Corp.

        4.      Right of First Refusal. Pursuant to the Right of First Refusal,
Lafarge Corp. shall have a right of first refusal, during the Right of First
Refusal Term, to acquire, upon substantially the same terms and conditions being
offered to a third party purchaser, (x) the Assets if Lafarge proposes to sell
such Assets to a third party at a price lower than ninety percent (90%) of the
Option Price, as adjusted hereunder, and (y) any portion of the Assets with a
book value or sales price exceeding $10 million, if Lafarge proposes to sell
such Assets to a third party for a price equal to or less than the First Offer
Price (as defined below). Lafarge shall notify Lafarge Corp. in writing of any
such proposed sale of all or any portion of the Assets, describing the terms of
the proposal transaction and Lafarge Corp. shall notify Lafarge within thirty
(30) days of receipt of such notice of its intention to exercise its Right of
First Refusal.

        For purposes of this Section 4, "First Offer Price" shall mean that
price offered by Lafarge Corp. for the purchase of any portion of the Assets
referenced in item (y) above. Lafarge shall notify Lafarge Corp. in writing of
its intention to offer for sale Assets referenced in (y) above and, provided
Lafarge Corp. is interested in purchasing such Assets, Lafarge Corp. shall
notify Lafarge within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice of its First
Offer Price.

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        5.      Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Lafarge.

        A.      Lafarge represents and warrants to Lafarge Corp. that (i) it has
the full capacity, right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform
this Agreement, (ii) all required actions and approvals therefor have been duly
taken and obtained, (iii) this Agreement and all documents to be executed
pursuant hereto by Lafarge are and shall be binding upon and enforceable against
Lafarge in accordance with their respective terms and (iv) the execution,
delivery and performance by Lafarge of this Agreement are within the powers of
Lafarge and will not be in contravention of or result in any breach or
constitute a default under any applicable law, rule or regulation or any
agreement or instrument to which Lafarge is a party or by which any of its
properties are bound.

        B.      Lafarge covenants that during the period commencing on the date
hereof and ending upon the termination or expiration of the Option Period,
neither it nor BCNA shall, without the prior written consent of Lafarge Corp.:

                (i)     lease, sell, convey or grant an option to lease or
                        purchase, enter into an agreement with respect to any of
                        the foregoings, either in a single transaction or a
                        series of related transactions, Assets with a book value
                        or sale price in excess of $10 million; or

                (ii)    make subject to the Option additional assets or
                        operations that are acquired, in a single transaction or
                        a series of related transactions, for a total purchase
                        price in excess of $10 million.

        C.      Lafarge further covenants and agrees:

                (i) during the Term to cause BCNA to make timely and appropriate
        sustaining capital expenditures with respect to the Assets in accordance
        with Lafarge's existing capital expenditures policies, as followed by
        Lafarge Corp.; and

                (ii) in the event Lafarge fails to renew the Management
        Agreement for any reason prior to the expiration or termination of the
        Term, to provide Lafarge Corp. and its representatives full and complete
        access, upon reasonable advance notice and during regular business
        hours, to the Assets, all books and records relating to the Assets, and
        all BCNA personnel, for purposes of evaluating whether to exercise the
        Option or the Right of First Refusal, as appropriate, and negotiating
        the agreements to purchase Assets pursuant thereto.

        6.      Lafarge Corp.'s Warranties and Representations. Lafarge Corp.
warrants and represents to Lafarge that (i) it has the full capacity, right,
power, and authority to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement, (ii) and
all required actions and approvals therefor have been duly taken and obtained,
(iii) this Agreement and all documents to be executed pursuant hereto by Lafarge
Corp. are and shall be binding upon and enforceable against Lafarge Corp. in
accordance with their respective terms, and (iv) the execution, delivery and
performance by Lafarge Corp. of this Agreement are within the powers of Lafarge
Corp. and will not be in contravention of or result in any breach or constitute
a default under any applicable law, rule or

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regulation or any agreement or instrument to which Lafarge Corp. is a party or
by which it or any of its properties are bound.

        7.      Dispute Resolution Process. The parties agree to utilize the
following dispute resolution process during the Term:

        A.      Any conflict arising under this Agreement that cannot be
resolved by the parties within ten (10) business days will be submitted
immediately to a resolution committee (the "Resolution Committee") consisting of
two members of the Special Committee of Lafarge Corp. and two representatives of
Lafarge.

        B.      In the event a conflict cannot be resolved by the Resolution
Committee within ten (10) business days after submission, then the parties will
agree to either refrain from taking the disputed action or resolve the issue as
soon as practicable by mediation or arbitration at the offices of Lafarge Corp.
in Herndon, Virginia, with one arbitrator or mediator appointed by the parties.

        8.      Reports. The parties agree that during the Exercise Period, the
Board of Directors of Lafarge Corp. shall receive, for the purpose of exercising
the rights of Lafarge Corp. and performing its duties under this Agreement and
the Management Agreement, quarterly reports concerning the performance of the
Assets containing the same level of detail that they now receive concerning the
business of Lafarge Corp.

        9.      Expense of Enforcement. If either party brings an action at law
or in equity to enforce or interpret this Agreement, the prevailing party in
such action shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and
disbursements incurred in connection with such proceeding, including but not
limited to arbitration or appellate proceedings, in addition to any other remedy
granted.

        10.     Notice. All notices, demands, requests or other communications
required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be given either (a) by hand delivery, (b) by certified or registered mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) by electronic facsimile or (d) by
overnight courier service (charges prepaid) with proof of delivery at the
following address:

                To Lafarge Corp.:   12950 Worldgate Drive, Suite 500
                                    Herndon, Virginia  20170
                                    Attention:  President and Chief Executive
                                                Officer
                                    Fax: 703-796-2218

                To Lafarge:         61, rue des Belles Feuilles
                                    75116 Paris
                                    Attention: Vice Chairman and Chief
                                               Operating Officer
                                    Fax: 011 33-1-44-34-12-22

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        11.     Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the full and
complete agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may
be amended only by subsequent written agreement between Lafarge and Lafarge
Corp.

        12.     Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with and governed by the internal substantive law of New York. Each of Lafarge
and Lafarge Corp. agrees that the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York shall have non-exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute
which may arise in connection with this Agreement and is not resolved pursuant
to the dispute resolution process set forth in Section 7.

        13.     Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be
unenforceable, this Agreement shall be considered divisible and such provision
shall be deemed inoperative to the extent it is deemed unenforceable, and in all
other respects this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect; provided,
however, that if any such provision may be made enforceable by limitation
thereof, then such provision shall be deemed to be so limited and shall be
enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

        14.     Captions, General, Number and Language of Inclusion. The
captions are inserted in this Agreement only for convenience of reference and do
not define, limit, or describe the scope or intent of any provisions of this
Agreement. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the singular includes
the plural, and vice versa, and the masculine, feminine, and neuter adjectives
include one another. As used in this Agreement, the word "including" shall mean
"including, but not limited to". All references to "$" or dollar amounts will be
to lawful currency of the United States of America.

        15.     Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal
representatives, successors and assigns; provided, however, that no party hereto
may assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its rights,
duties or obligations hereunder without the written consent of the other
parties.

        16.     No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, either
express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any person other than
the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns, any
rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this
Agreement.

        17.     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall
constitute but one and the same document.

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused these presents to be
executed intending to be legally bound by the provisions herein contained.

                             LAFARGE CORPORATION

                             By:/s/ Philippe Rollier
                                ------------------------------------------------
                                    Name: Philippe Rollier
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                    Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
                                           -------------------------------------

                             LAFARGE SA

                             By:/s/ Bernard Kasriel
                                ------------------------------------------------
                                    Name: Bernard Kasriel
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                    Title: Vice Chairman
                                          --------------------------------------

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<PAGE>   8

                                    EXHIBIT A

                            ASSETS COVERED BY OPTION

Five Full Production Cement Plants:
-       Ravena, New York
-       Harleyville, South Carolina
-       Atlanta, Georgia
-       Calera, Alabama
-       Tulsa, Oklahoma
One Slag Grinding Facility in Sparrows Point, Maryland

Eleven Cement Terminals

61 Ready Mix Concrete Plants in Georgia

13 Quarries and Sand and Gravel Pits in Georgia and Alabama

10 Concrete Block Plants in Georgia

The Option also covers all distribution and mobile equipment related to the
foregoing Assets<PAGE>   1

                                                                    Exhibit 10.3

                                    AGREEMENT

        THIS AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), made and entered into as of the 25th day
of April, 2001, by and between Lafarge Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the
"Company"), and John M. Piecuch, an individual residing in Fairfax, Virginia
(the "Executive"),

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

        WHEREAS, the Executive has agreed to resign as President and Chief
Executive Officer and director of the Company effective as of May 8, 2001 and
the parties hereto desire to document herein their agreements relating to the
Executive's resignation; and

        WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive until July 31,
2001, on the terms herein provided;

        NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and of the
mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the Executive and the Company
hereby agree as follows:

        1.      Term and Duties. The Executive agrees to resign as President and
Chief Executive Officer and director of the Company effective as of May 8, 2001,
and as an employee of the Company effective as of July 31, 2001. During the
period commencing on the date hereof and ending on July 31, 2001 (the "Term"),
the Executive shall perform such duties, functions and responsibilities as are
from time to time delegated to him by the Chairman of the Board of the Company,
it being understood and agreed that the Executive shall be entitled to utilize
his accrued vacation time (totaling eight (8) weeks) commencing June 1, 2001.
During the Term, the Executive shall devote his skill, attention and best
efforts to the business of the Company to the extent necessary to discharge the
responsibilities assigned to him, but shall not be required to devote all of his
time and attention to the business of the Company. Additionally, after the
expiration of the Term, the Company may consider, upon such terms and conditions
as the Executive and the Company may agree, utilizing the Executive for
appropriate consulting assignments at a reasonable emolument to be determined at
the time such services are requested.

        2.      Compensation.

                (i)     Base Amount. The Company shall pay to the Executive
        during the Term a base amount ("Base Amount") at the rate of U.S.
        $570,000 per year, payable in monthly installments, or otherwise in
        accordance with the Company's usual payroll practices.

                (ii)    Expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to receive
        prompt reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred by
        the Executive, in accordance with the policies and procedures of the
        Company.

                (iii)   Benefit Plans. During the Term, the Executive shall be
        entitled to continue to participate in or receive benefits under all of
        the Company's standard salaried employee benefit plans, executive
        benefit plans, policies, practices, and arrangements in

<PAGE>   2

        which he is presently eligible to participate, on a basis consistent
        with the terms, conditions, and overall administration of such benefit
        plans and arrangements. In addition, in lieu of receiving reimbursement
        of relocation expenses under the Company's existing policy, the
        Executive shall receive on June 1, 2002 the sum of $150,000 less the sum
        of any indebtedness owed by the Executive to the Corporation on such
        date pursuant to Section 4 hereof. The Executive shall also be entitled
        to purchase his Company automobile at a price equal to its book value on
        or before July 31, 2001.

                (iv)    Miscellaneous Pay and Benefits. Upon completion of
        Executive's employment on July 31, 2001, the Executive shall be entitled
        to receive standard retiree life and medical insurances in accordance
        with the forms and coverage offered by the Company.

                (v)     Special Retirement Supplement. The Executive shall be
        entitled to receive from the Company a special retirement supplement
        equal to $2,850,000 as of August 1, 2001 (the "Special Retirement
        Supplement"), which shall be paid in a manner that will provide the
        Executive and his beneficiary additional retirement benefits such that,
        when combined with benefits provided under the Lafarge Corporation
        Retirement Plan (the "Retirement Plan") and the Lafarge Corporation
        Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "SERP"), the Executive
        receives a level pension starting on August 1, 2001, in the form of a
        life annuity with 60 monthly payments guaranteed and a 50% survivor
        annuity thereafter. The amount of the Executive's (and his
        beneficiary's) monthly retirement income to be paid pursuant to this
        Section is set forth on the attached Appendix A.

                The Executive's beneficiary with respect to the survivor
        benefits payable under this Section shall be the Executive's spouse (if
        any) who is entitled to survivor annuity benefits under the Retirement
        Plan. In the event that the Executive does not have a spouse who is
        entitled to survivor annuity benefits under the Retirement Plan, then
        the Executive's secondary beneficiary as designated by the Executive in
        writing, or if none, his estate shall be his beneficiary hereunder, but
        only with respect to the portion, if any, of the 60 months of guaranteed
        payments remaining as of the date of the Executive's death.

                If the Executive shall die prior to August 1, 2001, then the
        Executive's beneficiary shall be entitled to receive commencing on
        August 1, 2001, an amount equal to the monthly retirement income such
        beneficiary would have been entitled to receive had the Executive
        commenced receiving the Special Retirement Supplement in the form of a
        life annuity with 60 monthly guaranteed payments and a 50% spousal
        survivor annuity thereafter on August 1, 2001, and then died.

                The monthly retirement income payable to the Executive pursuant
        to this Section has been determined assuming the Executive will begin
        receiving his retirement benefits under the Retirement Plan as of June
        1, 2003.

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<PAGE>   3

                All actuarial conversions under this Section shall be determined
        using a 7.75% rate of interest and the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality
        Table (with a blend of 50% male and 50% female rates).

                The benefits provided under this Section shall be treated as
        being provided under a retirement plan of the Company the purpose of
        which is to provide unfunded pension benefits for a select management or
        highly compensated employee. The amounts payable pursuant to this
        Section are and for all purposes shall continue to be a part of the
        general assets and liabilities of the Company, and the Executive's (and
        any beneficiary's) right to receive a payment from the Company pursuant
        to the Special Retirement Supplement shall be no greater than the right
        of any unsecured general creditor of the Company.

                (vi)    Options. Except as otherwise provided in this Section,
        options granted to the Executive under the Company's option plans (the
        "Option Plans") shall continue to vest in accordance with their terms as
        a result of the Executive's termination of employment on July 31, 2001
        by reason of retirement under the normal or early retirement provisions
        of a pension or retirement plan maintained by the Company. In the event
        that the Executive shall have complied with all the terms and conditions
        of this Agreement, all outstanding options granted to the Executive
        under the Option Plans shall be fully vested as of December 31, 2003 and
        such options shall be exercisable until May 31, 2004, at which time such
        options shall terminate unless they are terminated earlier in accordance
        with the terms of the Option Plans or any option agreement. All options
        agreements between the Company and the Executive are hereby amended to
        be consistent with the terms of this Section.

                (vii)   Insurance; Indemnification. The Company represents and
        warrants to the Executive that during his term as Chief Executive
        Officer, it maintained, and currently maintains, primary directors' and
        officers' liability insurance policies in an aggregate amount of $25
        million and excess liability insurance policies for an additional $35
        million, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein. The
        Company further represents and warrants that no executive officer of the
        Company has actual knowledge of any existing claim to be submitted for
        coverage under such insurance policies. The Executive shall be entitled
        to indemnification by the Company for liabilities arising from the
        performance of his duties as an executive officer and/or director of the
        Company to the extent such indemnification was available to the
        Executive during his employment with the Company and is not otherwise
        prohibited by applicable law.

        3.      Termination. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon
the death of the Executive. If this Agreement is terminated by reason of the
Executive's death, then except as otherwise provided herein or in the Company's
benefit plans, the Executive's estate shall receive those death benefits payable
under the Company's benefit plans, policies and procedures in which the
Executive is as of the date hereof eligible to participate.

        4.      Repayment of Indebtedness. All indebtedness owed by the
Executive to the Company relating to his residence at 2407 Oakmont Court,
Oakton, Virginia 22124, shall be

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<PAGE>   4

repaid by the Executive on the earlier to occur of the closing of the sale by
the Executive of such residence or June 1, 2002 or deducted from any payment
payable to the Executive pursuant to Section 2(iii) hereof. The face amount of
the note evidencing such indebtedness is expected to be $75,833.62 as of July
31, 2001. All other indebtedness owed by the Executive to, or advances to the
Executive from, the Company shall be repaid by the Executive on or before June
1, 2002 or deducted from any payment payable to the Executive pursuant to
Section 2(iii) hereof.

        5.      Confidential Information. The Executive shall hold in strictest
confidence and shall not directly or indirectly use for his own personal benefit
or for the benefit of anyone else or disclose to anyone else (including, without
limitation, any natural person, corporation, partnership or any other form of
entity or person) any of the Company's confidential and proprietary information
except with the prior written consent of the Company or to the extent necessary
in connection with the Executive's duties hereunder or unless required by a
court of law. Except as required by law (including, without limitation,
disclosure under applicable securities law and disclosure to auditors), or as
necessary to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the Company and the Executive
shall hold in strictest confidence the terms of this Agreement and the Executive
shall not disclose to or discuss with any employee of the Company the terms of
this Agreement. In the event the Executive is required or requested to disclose
confidential information, he will provide prompt notice to the Company in order
that the Company may prepare the appropriate protective order and/or waive the
Executive's compliance with the provisions of this Agreement. The terms of this
Section 5 shall continue in effect notwithstanding the termination of this
Agreement and shall be in addition to the Executive's common law obligations to
the Company as an employee, officer and director (or as a former employee,
officer and director).

        6.      No Conflicting Agreements. The Executive represents and warrants
to the Company that he is not a party to any agreement, contract, or
understanding, whether employment or otherwise, that would in any way restrict
or prohibit him from undertaking or performing his duties and obligations under
this Agreement.

        7.      Withholding Taxes. There shall be deducted from all amounts paid
under this Agreement any taxes required to be withheld by any federal, state,
local or other government. The Executive (and/or his beneficiary) shall bear all
taxes on amounts paid under this Agreement to the extent that no taxes are
withheld, irrespective of whether withholding is required. The Executive will be
required to pay to the Company the amount of any federal, state or local taxes
required by law to be withheld in connection with the Agreement in the event
that the Executive is not being paid by the Company or amounts being paid by the
Company to the Executive are insufficient to satisfy any such withholding
obligation.

        8.      Covenant Not to Compete. Without the prior written consent of
the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, the Executive
shall not, for a period commencing on the date hereof and ending on May 31,
2004, directly or indirectly, engage or participate in any manner whatsoever,
either personally or in any status or capacity, including but not limited to as
an employer, employee, associate, member, officer, director, owner (excluding an
owner of less than 5% of the equity of any business), salesman, representative,
principal, agent, trustee, servant or consultant or by means of any corporation,
partnership, proprietorship

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<PAGE>   5

or other legal entity or device, in any business or activity which is in direct
or indirect competition with either the Company or its affiliates in the United
States or Canada (a "Competitor"). In the event that the Executive believes that
the prior written consent contemplated by this Section 8 has been unreasonably
withheld by the Company, the Executive shall have the right to have such
decision reviewed independently by the Management Development and Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. In the event that the terms
of this Section 8 should ever be deemed to exceed the time or geographic
limitation permitted by applicable law, then such terms shall be reformed to the
maximum time or geographic limitation permitted by applicable law. In the event
of a breach by the Executive of the terms of this Section 8, the Company shall
be entitled to an injunction restraining him from engaging or participating in
such business or activity. However, nothing in this Section 8 shall be construed
as prohibiting (a) the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to the
Company for the breach by the Executive of the terms of this Section 8, or any
other terms of this Agreement, including the recovery of damages from the
Executive or (b) the Executive from continuing his employment with another
employer which, after his employment by such employer, is acquired or controlled
by an entity or device considered to be a Competitor, provided the Executive had
no prior knowledge of such acquisition or control relationship at the time he
commenced employment with such employer. The term of this Section 8 shall
continue in effect notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. The
restrictive covenants upon the Executive set forth in this Section 8 are the
essence of this Agreement: they shall be construed as independent of any other
provision of this Agreement, and the existence of any claim or cause of action
against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or not, shall not
constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the restrictive
covenants contained herein.

        9.      Assignment. This Agreement is personal in nature and none of the
parties hereto shall assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or
obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties;
provided, however, that in the event of any consolidation or merger of the
Company with or into any other corporation or any sale or transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, this Agreement shall inure to
the benefit of and be binding on the successor to the Company's business and
assets.

        10.     Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally or mailed by certified
or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid:

        If to the Executive, to:    Mr. John M. Piecuch
                                    2407 Oakmont Court
                                    Oakton, Virginia 22124

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

        If to the Company, to:      Lafarge Corporation
                                    12950 Worldgate Drive, Suite 500
                                    Herndon, Virginia  20170
                                    Attention: President and Chief Executive
                                               Officer

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall
be effective only upon receipt.

        11.     Miscellaneous. No provision of this Agreement may be amended,
modified, waived, or discharged unless such amendment, modification, waiver, or
discharge is in writing and signed by the party against whom the amendment,
modification, waiver, or discharge is sought to be enforced. No waiver by either
party at any time of any breach or default in the performance of any provision
of this Agreement to be performed by the other party shall be deemed a waiver of
any similar or dissimilar provision at the same time or at any prior or
subsequent time. The validity, interpretation, construction, and performance of
this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Virginia.

        12.     Severability; Validity. Every provision in this Agreement is
intended to be severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provision of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement is deemed or
held to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be added automatically to this
Agreement in lieu thereof a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or
unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and enforceable.

        13.     Headings. The headings contained herein are for reference
purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of
any provision of this Agreement.

        14.     Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof (it being
understood that this Agreement is not intended to cover the terms of the
Executive's relationship with the Company as a member of its Board of
Directors), and there are no written or oral terms or representations made by
any party other than those contained herein.

        15.     General Release. In consideration of the monetary payments and
other benefits provided by the Company to the Executive described above, the
Executive acknowledges and agrees that, except with respect to claims made under
this Agreement or under any of the benefit plans, policies or procedures
contemplated hereby, for which this release shall not apply, he has and will
make no claim of any kind against: (i) the Company, (ii) any of the Company's
parent companies, subsidiaries, and affiliated companies, or (iii) any of the
officers, directors, agents, employees, representatives, attorneys, or any
successors and assigns of such entities. This includes but is not limited to any
claim based on any state or federal statutory or common law that applies or is
asserted to apply, directly or indirectly, to the Executive's employment
relationship or the termination of the Executive's employment relationship with
the Company. Thus, the Executive agrees not to make any claims such as for
wrongful discharge, unlawful discrimination on the basis of age or other form of
unlawful employment discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract (express or
implied), intentional or negligent infliction of

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

emotional distress, defamation, duress, fraud or misrepresentation, or any
violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act of 1967, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
or similar state or federal laws.

        The effect of this Agreement is to waive and release any and all claims,
demands, actions, or causes of action that the Executive may now or hereafter
have against the entities and individuals named above for any liability, whether
vicarious, derivative, or direct. This includes any claims for damages (actual
or punitive), back wages, future wages, bonuses, reinstatement, accrued vacation
leave benefits, past and future employee benefits (except to which there is
vested entitlement) including contributions to the Executive's employee benefit
plans, compensatory damages, penalties, equitable relief, attorney's fees, costs
of court, interest, and any and all other loss, expense, or detriment of
whatever kind, resulting from, growing out of, connected with, or related in any
way to the Executive's employment relationship or the termination of the
Executive's employment relationship with the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this Section 15, this general release does not apply to
any rights or claims that may arise after the date this Agreement is executed
and does not affect the coverage referenced in Section 2(vii).

        The Company does not hereby waive or release any claim, demand or cause
of action that it may now or hereafter have against the Executive for any
liability whatsoever. The Company represents and warrants that none of its
executive officers has actual knowledge of any existing claim or cause of action
of the Company against the Executive or any present intention of the Company to
bring a claim or cause of action against the Executive. Upon default by any
party hereto of any obligation contemplated by this Agreement, the defaulting
party shall be liable for damages, including without limitation all costs and
attorneys' fees incurred by the non-defaulting party in any suit precipitated by
the default.

        16.     Term of Offer. The Executive acknowledges that he had no fewer
than twenty-one days to consider the terms of this Agreement prior to its
execution.

        17.     Effective Date. This Agreement will become effective and
enforceable seven days after the Executive's execution of this Agreement. At any
time before such date, the Executive understands that he may revoke this
Agreement.

        18.     Consultation With an Attorney. The Executive acknowledges that
he has been advised that he had the right to consult an attorney before
executing this Agreement.

        19.     Voluntary Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that his
execution of this Agreement was knowing and voluntary and that he had a
reasonable time to deliberate regarding its terms.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the date and year first written above.

                            LAFARGE CORPORATION

                            By: /s/ James J. Nealis
                                ------------------------------------------------
                                  Name: James J. Nealis III
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                  Title: Senior Vice President - Human Resources
                                         ---------------------------------------

                            /s/ John M. Piecuch
                            ----------------------------------------------------
                            John M. Piecuch

County of Fairfax
State of Virginia

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 27th day of April,
2001.

/s/ Nancy L. Smith
-----------------------------
Nancy L. Smith, Notary Public

My commission expires: 1-31-04

                                       8

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