CRH the market’s star performer

The ISEQ Index closed up 139.89 points to 9,821.62.

The star performer on the day was CRH, surging €2.52 to €35.75 on the back of news that its British peer Hanson is subject to a bid from another peer Heidelberg Cement.

The financials steamed ahead, with Bank of Ireland jumping 27c to €16.72. AIB rose 14c to €22.99, while Anglo Irish and Irish Life and Permanent finished the day ahead up 38c and 36c, at €17.40 and €20.11 respectively.

Elsewhere, Ryanair dropped 32c to €5.80 despite passenger numbers increasing 19% year-on-year for the month of April. Drinks Group C&C rose 4c to €12.72.