Trading and earnings at DIY group Heiton Holdings for the first four months this year are "well ahead" of the same period in 2002, the company's annual general meeting was told yesterday.
Chairman Mr Richard Keatinge said the Irish DIY business - which includes the Atlantic Homecare chain - was performing "exceptionally well".
The housing market remained strong, although growth rates might slow, he said.
Mr Willie Cotter, the former chief executive of Bank of Ireland Asset Management, will join the Heiton board, the meeting was told.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr Keatinge said: "We are very pleased to announce \... appointment of the calibre of Willie Cotter.
"He has a strong financial and business development background and, as a former chief executive of the largest asset management company in Ireland, has a keen appreciation of shareholder interests."
Profits at the company before tax climbed 15 per cent to €24.6 million on sales 13.3 per cent ahead at €479 million in the year to the end of April. A once-off restructuring charge was incurred in relation to the group's UK division, where its Cooper Clark subsidiary underwent a major reorganisation.
Heiton retail in Ireland, comprising Atlantic and The Panelling Centre, grew by 4.4 per cent.
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