UK: Breedon Group’s revenue grew by 18% year-on-year to Euro502m in the first half of 2019 from Euro424m in the same period in 2018. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 22.3% to Euro90.9m from Euro74.0m. Cement sales volumes increased by 11% to 1Mt and ready-mixed concrete sales fell by 6% to 1.5Mm3.
"The period began well, with benign weather in the first quarter and generally healthy demand for our products, particularly in England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, somewhat offset by fewer large projects in Scotland. Our performance in the second quarter was adversely impacted by lower volumes in Great Britain due to a flat construction market, ongoing project delays and competitive trading conditions. However demand in Ireland remained robust,” said group chief executive Pat Ward. He added that July 2019 had started well and that the group expected a ‘strong’ second half of the year.