Boral and Lafarge combine their Asian plasterboard assets. Separately, Boral enters new growth phase with $900m of investments in new plants, capacity and acquisitions. A takeover offer for Adelaide Brighton in 2003 was thwarted due to competition concerns by the regulator.

The energy division is demerged into newly listed Origin Energy. The 'new' Boral focuses on construction and building materials under Rod Pearse's leadership.