CRH set to increase holding in Mashav

Cement Roadstone Holdings is in talks to buy a further 25% stake in Israeli group Mashav, which would take its total stake in that company to 50%.

The Irish buildings material group already owns 25% of Mashav, the parent company of Israel's cement monopoly Nesher.

CRH has the option buy a further 25% in the company before the end of 2003.

A statement from CRH earlier today said that this option was being pursued ahead of the expiry date.