Builders’ merchants group Grafton has expressed confidence in maintaining long-term profit growth, despite lowering its current year forecasts due to market challenges.

Builders’ merchants group, Grafton has seen a marked recovery in its Irish operations, with revenue here up by 14.7%, year-on-year, on a constant currency basis in the six months to the end of June.

Builders’ merchants and DIY firm Grafton Group increased revenues by just over 10% to the end of October, according to its interim management statement released yesterday.

Builders’ merchants group Grafton expects its Irish operations to contribute significantly to its overall growth in the coming three-to-five years.

Builders’ merchants group Grafton has expanded its asset base in Britain, through the acquisition for an undisclosed fee of English timber merchant Beaumont Forest Products.