Construction group Grafton plans move to London stock listing

The Grafton group is considering moving its listing to London in what would be another huge blow for the Irish Stock Exchange.

The company, which yesterday reported a strong set of figures for the first half of the year, said it was consulting with shareholders but that it felt the time was right to look at its listing.

The group, which owns Chadwicks, Heiton Buckley, and Woodie’s DIY, reported a huge increase of profits before tax, rising from €15.8m to €60.5m. Underlying profit before tax increased 28%, to €28.7m from €22.5m, as the company benefited from strong barbecue and garden furniture sales.