Irish building materials group CRH has confirmed it is in talks to buy a further 25 per cent stake in Israeli group Mashav.
CRH already owns 25 per cent of Mashav, which owns Israel's cement monopoly Nesher.
The Irish group has an option to buy a further 25 per cent in the company which expires at the end of the year.
A spokeswoman said the company was discussing the option to purchase a further 25 per cent ahead of the end of year expiry date.