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.
In continental Europe, the weak trends in building continue with little or no construction growth forecast in 2002 - other than in Iberian markets.
PA
