CRH remains coy over reports of merger with French partner

Irish-headquartered building materials and cement products giant, CRH yesterday declined to comment on reports it had signed a collaboration agreement with its joint venture partner in France, Samse, to transfer its 45% stake in Doras to Samse.

Doras the French company which operates specialist and general builders merchants, and which is jointly-owned by the two companies, is particularly prominent in the Burgundy and Franche Comté regions in eastern France.

News agency, Reuters yesterday reported that CRH France Distribution, a subsidiary of the world-leading Irish group, had agreed a deal to transfer its stake in Doras to Samse, which already holds a 55% share in the company.