Builders merchant and DIY group Grafton has reported adjusted operating profits before property profits for the first half of the years of £99.2 million, up 13% year-on-year.
The owner of Woodies, Heiton Buckleys and Chadwicks reported revenue up 2% to £1.4 billion.
Grafton has declared an interim dividend of 6.5p per share, up 8%.
The company has reported strong organic growth in its merchanting and retailing businesses in Ireland. Operating profit margin was ahead in its UK merchanting business, in what the company described as a "softer market".
Grafton saw growth in the Netherlands following the acquisition of Polvo. The group has also announced its intention to sell its small and peripheral Belgian operation.
Gavin Slark, Chief Executive said Grafton had made good strategic and operational progress in the first half of 2019 which supports the ongoing improvement in the underlying quality of the business. "Despite the uncertainty in the UK, the group continues to benefit from the strength of Selco's market position and our higher returning, growth businesses in Ireland and The Netherlands.
"Our focus remains on delivering growth in shareholder value and a great experience for our customers and colleagues," Mr Slark said.
