Grafton reports better-than-expected first half

Builders merchanting and DIY groupGrafton reported a better-than-expected performance for the first half as its revenue rose by nine per cent to £1.34 billion in the six months to the end of June. The company, which will publish first-half results on August 31, issued a trading update covering the period from January 1 to June 30. Here are the key points in the statement:

- Revenue rose by 6.2 per cent in constant ...