ISEQ up as CRH announces healthy profits

CRH led the charge this morning as the ISEQ index of shares surged ahead 70.29 points to 7987.76.

The building materials giant's shares were up 58c to €26.75 as it announced a 37% rise in pre-tax profits. The company expects healthy profits for the year as revenues rose to €526m from €384m for the first six months of 2005.

CRH has also announced the completion of the acquisition of Ashland Paving And Construction Inc. (APAC) in its biggest-ever transaction, worth $1.3bn (€1.01bn).

Meanwhile, it was also a good morning for the financials. Irish Life & Permanent was up 15c to €19.40, Bank of Ireland saw an 11c gain to €14.94, while AIB and Anglo Irish were each up 10c to €20.30 and €13.02 respectively.