German investment for CRH

723 CRH is aiming to improve its market share in Germany with increased investment in its distribution business there. The company has announced that it now owns a 98% share in 4579 Bauking – Germany’s leading builders merchant and DIY operator in northern Germany.

CRH has acquired an additional 50% of the shares in the operation for €126million and the company has said that the investment “will greatly strengthen CRH's existing position in Germany, the largest construction market in Europe, providing an excellent platform for further growth and expanding the Group's exposure to the important repair, maintenance and improvement construction sector.”