American operations boost CRH

Construction materials company CRH has said a strong performance in its American operations boosted its full-year results for 2012, and offset weakening confidence in Europe.

The company's sales were up 3% to €18.7bn, with American sales up 15% and European sales down 7%. Net debt fell by €500m to under €3bn. Dividend per share has been maintained at 62.5c.