Building firm ‘still open to talks’

HEITON remains open to talks with rival builders’ merchants and DIY group Grafton in spite of Grafton’s “low-ball” approach that was rejected last week, chief executive Leo Martin said yesterday.

But he added the company was prepared to go it alone and pursue its own expansion programme if a deal could not be agreed.

Mr Martin left Grafton in no doubt that it would need to propose a significantly higher price before the Heiton board would recommend it to shareholders.