Construction group CRH has posted a 5 per cent rise in interim profits and expects further progress this year.
For the six months to June 30th it posted a pretax profit of €196 million, against €186 million last time. Sales rose 7 per cent to €4.8 million, up 7 per cent. The results were in line with market expectations.
The dividend rose to €7.43 cents, from €6.75 cents.
CRH expects a decline in construction activity for the year as a whole. The company said the outlook for its business in Britain has softened amid high energy costs.
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In continental Europe, the weak trends in building continue with little or no construction growth forecast in 2002 - other than in Iberian markets.
PA