CRH has forecast a 25% year-on-year jump in earnings for its traditionally less significant first half.

Building materials company CRH spent nearly €700 million on acquisitions and investments last year, nearly €100m more than its 2012 outlay.

CRH’s acquisition and investment spend for 2013 could eclipse last year’s total of €600m; with nearly €500m worth of deals already agreed and more investments likely in the coming months.

CRH has become the market leading cement producer in the Ukraine, after agreeing the purchase of Mykolaiv Cement for €96m.