Irish building materials and DIY group Grafton said its first half profits remain in line with expectations despite less favourable trading conditions in the Irish market.
The company said it was planning more acquisitions to add to the six it has tied up since January 1st of this year.
Grafton said so far this year it has added nine builders merchanting branches and one plumbers merchanting branch to its network, the largest acquisition being BMB Builders Merchants Ltd with five branches in Yorkshire in England.
The other five acquisitions were all single branch businesses, two of which are located in Scotland. In addition Grafton opened seven green field locations in the first half; two Woodie's DIY stores in the Republic, one builders and four plumbers merchanting branches in the UK.
These locations are trading successfully and are expected to contribute modestly during the second half, the company said.
