CRH Plc H1 Pretax Profit Rises; To Acquire C.R. Laurence Co. - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - CRH plc (CRH, CRH.L) reported profit before tax of 63 million euros for the Six months ended 30 June 2015 compared to 61 million euros, a year ago. Profit attributable to equity holders of the company increased to 46 million euros from 45 million euros. Earnings per share in euro cents was 5.7 compared to 6.1.

EBITDA increased to 555 million euros from 505 million euros, prior year. EBITDA from continuing operations was up 29%.

Sales revenue was 9.37 billion euros compared to 8.32 billion euros, a year ago. On a continuing operations basis, excluding the impact of divestments and with the benefit of positive currency impacts, sales were 17% higher than 2014.

The Board of CRH plc has decided to maintain the 2015 interim dividend at last year's level of 18.5 euro cents per share. A scrip dividend alternative will be offered to shareholders.

The Group expects overall second-half EBITDA from continuing operations to be broadly in line with last year on a constant currency basis. For the Group overall, assuming normal weather conditions for the remainder of the season, the Group expects second half EBITDA to show good progress on second half 2014.

CRH plc also announced it has reached an agreement to purchase C.R. Laurence Co., Inc. from the Friese family, for a total consideration of US$1.3 billion, including deferred consideration at a net present cost of US$86 million, payable over 5 years. CRL, headquartered in Los Angeles, is North America's leading manufacturer and distributor of custom hardware and installation products for the professional glazing industry. The company designs, engineers and manufactures a wide range of innovative and high-value components required to complete the field installation of architectural glass in both commercial and residential applications.