TITAN Cement consolidated turnover and earnings demonstrated further growth during the first nine months of 2000. Consolidated turnover reached Drs. 156 b., up 9.5%. Earnings before provisions and taxes rose 11.8% to Drs. 35.8 b. Consolidated net earnings, after provisions for minorities and taxes, increased by 7.2% to Drs. 21.7 b, versus Drs. 20.2 b. last year.In Greece, demand growth was smaller than in previous years and, coupled with rising fuel and transportation costs, led to lower margins. In the USA, despite softer demand and lower prices in N. Carolina, Roanoke Cement Co. was able to increase its profitability due to higher production and cost-cutting.In S.E. Europe, significantly increased demand in the Usje greater market led to profitability improvement for the company. In Bulgaria, on the other hand, low demand and prices negatively affected Plevenski Cement performance. In Egypt, the macroeconomic environment led to a 10% slide of the local currency. The small decrease in prices and demand was counterbalanced by productivity improvements at Beni Suef Cement Co.The US dollar rise helped sales and margins, but also caused foreign exchange losses appearing as extraordinary results (Drs. 2.3 b.). Extraordinary losses also include a Drs. 1.3 b. restructuring charge in Usje. The parent company, TITAN Cement S.A., had sales of Drs. 85.7 b., up 5.7%, while net earnings rose by 2.9% to Drs. 17.6 b. However, not including income from participations, parent company earnings decreased by 5.3%, despite slight volume growth.It is reminded that in early October the Tarmac America Inc. acquisition was completed for $ 656 m with a back to back sale to Vulcan Materials Co. of 11 quarries for $ 282 m. Results from these new operations will be included in TITAN Group financials starting from the fourth quarter of the current year.