CRH has further expanded its interests in Britain through the purchase of the building products division, and associated properties, of Hawtin plc for £4.8 million sterling (£4.66 million). The acquisition is being effected through CRH subsidiary, the Glasgow based Keyline builders merchants.

The division being acquired comprises two companies: Roofing Centres and Western Brick which operate through nine depots in south Wales and the west of England. In the year ended September 30th, 1995, the division recorded an operating profit of £511,000, a pre tax profit of £178,000, on turnover of £11 million. Net assets amounted to £1.3 million.

CRH has made a number of acquisitions in the US and Europe since the beginning of the year. On Tuesday, it announced acquisitions in the US, costing £18.6 million.