EC gives go-ahead for CRH takeover

The European Commission has approved the takeover of French Buildings firm Doras by CRH and French group Samse, which was initially announced in November.

The Commission said the deal, which will mean CRH and Samse acquire an equal stake in Doras, would not affect competition in the industry.

"Samse and Doras play a minor role in the domestic market while, at local level, they are located in different regions," the Commission said in a statement.

Doras is based in eastern France and had €246m sales in 2002, Samse is based in the French Alps and had a recent turnover of €459m.