Lafarge has a business model to focus on small- and medium-sized acquisitions, rather than large ones, according to Jean-Jacques Gauthier, the company’s executive VP of finance. Gauthier made the remark during a conference call to discuss 2004 sales, when asked about reports that Lafarge would be eyeing the possible sale of Argentine cement maker Loma Negra. Reports have priced the transaction at US$1bn. Indeed, Lafarge’s focus on smaller acquisitions was made evident earlier this month with its purchase of Ecuadorian cement maker Cementos Selva Alegre for US$130mn.