Revenue at DIY and builders merchant group Grafton passed €1.83 billion in the first ten months of 2012, up from €1.73 billion last year.

In an interim statement this morning, the group said was on course to report full year operating profit (before restructuring and amortisation) at the higher end of market expectations.

“Increased operating profit was achieved in the ten months to October, despite difficult markets, through a disciplined focus on self-help measures,” Grafton said in a statement.

Irish Merchanting turnover declined by 8.7 per cent in the ten months, a rate consistent with the half year.

Trading in September and October benefitted from a strong performance by the plumbing and heating division and promotional activity.

In the UK, Grafton said its merchanting turnover increased by 3.6 per cent in the ten months to October 2012.

Grafton’s UK business accounts for 76 per cent of revenue, up from 72 per cent in 2011.

Grafton Group, which operates builders merchanting stores and DIY retail shops in Britain, Ireland and, to a lesser extent, Belgium, employs more than 9,000 people.