Grafton builds profits to €192m

GRAFTON Group delivered strong results in line with market expectations last year. It was a two-sided story, however, with the Irish division delivering exceptional results while performance in the British market was flat.

Operating profits of €215.9 million were split 50/50 in the year to December 31, 2005 with the British division marginally ahead at €108.2m against a €107.7m contribution from the Irish companies.

Overall pre-tax profits rose from €145.8m to €192.2m a rise of 32%. Ireland gained from a €48.2m contribution from the Heiton Group, acquired in 2004.