FINANCIAL NEWS BLUE CIRCLE NORTH AMERICA's operating profit increased increased in the third quarter to $86.13 million from 1998's $57.91 million. Cement volumes were up 9.6% on 1998 and both aggregates and concrete volumes also rose significantly. In the Cement Division, imports increased but domestic clinker production was also well up on last year.

CEMEX reported that net sales for the third quarter of 1999 hit $1.239 billion, a 17% increase compared to the same quarter in 1998. Cash earnings totaled $360 million for 1999's third quarter, up 44%.

Chile's MELON reported operating profits of $8.41 million, off from 1998's $32.175 million. Its cement volumes were down 28.6% on 1998, the result of a recession in the Chilean economy. Cement prices remained stable, however, and the company achieved cost reductions as well.

NEWSMAKERS STEVEN V. EGERT has joined Merkle Engineers, Inc. as manager of business development. His chief responsibility will be to expand the company's market share of suspended refractory systems for the minerals processing and metals industries.