CRH reveals €400m spend in second half of 2011

CRH, the Irish building materials group, has announced it spent €400m on acquisitions and investments in the second half of 2011. The total spend for 2011 was €600m.

In an update on its acquisition activities in the second half of last year, the company said the biggest investment came in its Europe Materials division which spent €195m including a deal to boost its cement grinding capacity in Belgium.

The Americas Materials division splashed out €112m, including the purchase of 0.25bn tonnes of aggregate reserves.

MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

The totals in CRH's other businesses were €28m at its Europe Products and Distribution arm and €72m through Americas Products and Distribution.

CRH's Chief Executive Myles Lee said: "The bolt-on transactions ... are very much in keeping with the group's strategy to acquire businesses which add value to our existing operations or which expand our footprint in developed markets where we see opportunities for further growth."

CRH shares were broadly flat at the open.

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.