European sales in building materials up despite concerns in US housing

CRH Plc has increased first-half profits by 27% as acquisitions and better cement sales delivered results in line with market expectations.

The world’s second- biggest maker and distributor of building materials said higher sales in Europe offset a downturn in the US.

Total sales rose 21% to €9.6 billion while earnings per share of 92 cents increased 26% in the first half of 2007.