CRH plc

Corporate brand

International building materials group supplying materials and infrastructure products for construction, repair and development.

Last updated August 31, 2026

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Overview

CRH plc, originally named Cement Roadstone Holdings, is an international building materials company formed in Ireland in 1970 through the merger of Cement Ltd and Roadstone Ltd. The group supplies materials and engineered products used in residential construction, commercial and industrial development, transport infrastructure, utilities and repair and remodeling. Its principal activities include aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, paving and hardscape products, precast and concrete infrastructure components, lime, and related construction solutions. CRH has developed through a combination of organic expansion and a long series of acquisitions. It entered the United States in 1978 by acquiring Amcor, a Utah concrete-products group that became part of Oldcastle. The United States and Canada subsequently became the center of much of its growth, particularly in aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete, paving, infrastructure products and building solutions. The company also expanded across Europe, including through investments in France, Poland, Finland, Switzerland, Portugal, Germany and other markets, while making selected investments in Asia. A major turning point came in 2015, when CRH acquired selected assets from LafargeHolcim for approximately US$6.5 billion. The transaction substantially enlarged its North American and European materials operations and made CRH one of the world's largest building materials groups by market value. Subsequent portfolio changes included the sale of Allied Building Products, the disposal of its European distribution business to Blackstone in 2019, the sale of its Building Envelope business to KPS Capital Partners in 2022, and the purchase of additional cement and concrete assets in Texas from Martin Marietta Materials in 2023. The company is organized around CRH Americas and CRH International. Its businesses operate under numerous regional and specialist names, including Ash Grove Cement, Oldcastle APG, Texas Materials, Cement Ożarów, Shelley Materials, Tarmac, Tilcon, Pike Industries, Civilmart and Irish Cement. CRH's products are usually sold through local operating companies and distribution networks rather than through a single consumer-facing brand. CRH's business mix reflects the cyclical and geographically local nature of construction materials. The company serves new construction as well as maintenance, repair and remodeling markets, with demand influenced by housing, commercial development, public infrastructure investment, road programs, interest rates, energy costs and government spending. Its stated strategic emphasis has increasingly included value-added products, infrastructure solutions, operational efficiency, acquisitions and sustainability. The group is also active in industry decarbonization and circular-economy initiatives. In 2023 it introduced a sustainability framework covering emissions, water, waste and circularity, and reported using industrial by-products and waste as alternative raw materials and fuels. In 2024 it announced a target to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050. CRH is a founding member of the Global Cement and Concrete Association, and former chief executive Albert Manifold served as the association's first president in 2018. In 2023 CRH created CRH Ventures, a US$250 million investment platform focused on construction and climate technology. Following a 2023 shareholder vote, the company transferred its primary listing from London to the New York Stock Exchange while retaining a London listing.

History

CRH was created in 1970 when Cement Ltd, founded in 1936, merged with Roadstone Ltd, founded in 1949. The new group listed on the Irish Stock Exchange in 1973. Its early strategy combined cement production with roadstone, aggregates and concrete products, establishing a platform for expansion beyond Ireland. The company entered the United States in 1978 through the acquisition of Amcor, a Utah-based concrete-products business. The acquired operation became associated with Oldcastle, the name that later represented a substantial portion of CRH's American activities. CRH strengthened its U.S. presence in 1985 by buying Callanan Industries, an aggregates producer in New York State. During the 1990s it continued building regional positions through acquisitions in aggregates, asphalt, precast concrete and related products, including businesses in Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New York. CRH's European expansion accelerated during the 1990s. It entered France through acquisitions including Raboni and Prefaest, and in 1995 purchased Holding Cement Polski in Poland, its first cement-manufacturing operation outside Ireland. It later expanded into Ukraine and Finland through investments including Mykolaiv Cement, Finnsementti and Lohja Rudus. These transactions established a geographically diverse European cement and materials portfolio. Between 2000 and 2010, CRH pursued larger and more varied transactions. The 2000 purchase of Switzerland's Jura Group added cement, concrete, aggregates and distribution assets. In 2001 the group bought a minority interest in Mashav, the holding company of Israel's Nesher Cement Works. It acquired Cementbouw in the Netherlands in 2003 and a 49 percent interest in Portugal's Secil in 2004; the Secil investment was later sold in 2012 after an arbitration process. In North America, acquisitions such as Shelly Group, Mount Hope Rock Products and Ashland Paving and Construction expanded regional materials and paving operations. Further purchases in 2007 and the acquisition of Pavestone in 2008 broadened distribution, hardscape and landscape-product capabilities. CRH also made minority investments in China and India. The 2010s brought further consolidation in both established and emerging markets. In 2015 CRH bought selected LafargeHolcim assets for about US$6.5 billion, a transformative transaction that materially expanded its cement, aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and building-products businesses. The deal increased leverage but made CRH one of the world's largest building materials groups. The company subsequently acquired CR Laurence, a specialist glazing business, and continued adding North American infrastructure and building-solution assets. It also purchased Fels-Werke in 2017, adding lime and aggregates operations in Germany and neighboring markets, and Ash Grove Cement in 2018. CRH reshaped its portfolio through disposals as well as acquisitions. It sold Allied Building Products to Beacon Roofing Supply in 2017, its European distribution arm to Blackstone in 2019, and its Building Envelope business to KPS Capital Partners in 2022. In 2021 it invested approximately US$1.5 billion across 20 acquisitions, including Texas paving company Angel Brothers Enterprises and National Pipe & Plastics. In 2022 it acquired Barette Outdoor Living, an Ohio-based outdoor-living products manufacturer. In the 2020s CRH has increasingly emphasized its Americas platform, infrastructure exposure, value-added products, operational discipline and technology. Its 2023 acquisition of cement and concrete assets from Martin Marietta expanded its Texas network and included the Hunter Cement Plant, terminals and ready-mixed concrete plants. The same year, CRH formed CRH Ventures to invest in construction and climate technology. It also introduced a sustainability framework covering decarbonization, water and circularity. In 2024 it announced a 30-percent emissions-reduction target for 2030 and a net-zero ambition for 2050. The company remains active across North America, Europe and selected other international markets, operating through a large collection of regional businesses and specialist brands.

2024
Emissions target announced
[3]CRH sustainabilitycrh.com
CRH announces a 30-percent greenhouse-gas reduction target for 2030 and a net-zero ambition for 2050.
2023
Primary listing moves to New York
[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
Shareholders approve the transfer of CRH's primary listing from London to the New York Stock Exchange.
2023
CRH Ventures is established
[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
The company launches a US$250 million venture fund focused on construction and climate technology.
2022
Building Envelope disposal
[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
CRH sells its Building Envelope business to KPS Capital Partners.
2017
Allied Building Products is sold
[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
CRH sells Allied Building Products to Beacon Roofing Supply for approximately US$2.6 billion.
2015
LafargeHolcim asset acquisition
[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
CRH purchases selected LafargeHolcim assets in a transaction valued at approximately US$6.5 billion.
2000
Jura Group acquisition
[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
CRH acquires Switzerland's Jura Group, adding cement, aggregates, concrete and distribution capabilities.
1995
First overseas cement manufacturing operation
[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
The purchase of Holding Cement Polski gives CRH its first cement-manufacturing operation outside Ireland.
1978
Entry into the United States
[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
CRH acquires Amcor, a Utah concrete-products group that becomes part of Oldcastle.
1973
Irish stock-market listing
[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
CRH lists on the Irish Stock Exchange.
1970
CRH is formed
[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
Cement Ltd and Roadstone Ltd merge to create Cement Roadstone Holdings, later abbreviated to CRH.

Products and positioning

A diversified, acquisition-driven building materials and infrastructure solutions group with strong North American exposure and a broad regional operating footprint.

Cement
Cement
CRH produces and markets cement through regional businesses including Ash Grove Cement, Irish Cement and Cement Ożarów. Cement is supplied to ready-mixed concrete producers, contractors, infrastructure projects and other construction customers. The group has operated cement plants and terminals across North America and Europe, with products adapted to local standards and applications.
Aggregates
Aggregates
Aggregates such as crushed stone, gravel and sand are a core CRH business. They are used in concrete, asphalt, road base, drainage, foundations and general civil engineering. Production and distribution are typically organized through local quarries and terminals because transport costs make aggregates a strongly regional product.
Concrete
Ready-mixed concrete
CRH supplies ready-mixed concrete for residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure construction. Its regional operations combine cement, aggregates, batching and delivery capabilities, allowing the company to serve building sites and public works projects with mixes designed for local technical and regulatory requirements.
Road construction materials
Asphalt and paving materials
Through businesses such as Texas Materials, Tilcon, Pike Industries and other regional operations, CRH produces asphalt and supplies paving-related materials and services. These products support highways, streets, airports, commercial sites and maintenance programs, making the business particularly exposed to public infrastructure and road-rehabilitation spending.
Building products
Paving and hardscape products
Oldcastle APG and related businesses manufacture pavers, retaining-wall systems, masonry products, landscape materials and outdoor-living products. These products are sold to contractors, landscape professionals, distributors and retailers for residential and commercial outdoor spaces, hardscapes and site-development projects.
Infrastructure products
Precast and infrastructure products
CRH businesses produce precast concrete and other engineered components for utilities, drainage, transportation and communications infrastructure. The portfolio has included water-infrastructure and electrical-conduit products, concrete vaults, pipes and other components that can be manufactured away from the construction site and installed as part of larger civil works.

Controversies

2020
West Virginia paving antitrust settlement
CRH subsidiaries reached a settlement concerning allegations of market power and anti-competitive conduct in three West Virginia road-paving markets. The supplied material does not state the settlement amount.
Source
2012
Irish cartel-related civil proceedings dismissed
Irish High Court proceedings alleging anti-competitive conduct and an eviction strategy were dismissed because the claimants had delayed excessively in producing evidence. Subsequent appeals were dismissed by 2014.
Source
2012
United States cement and concrete class action settlement
A Florida class action alleged that Oldcastle Materials and other companies coordinated cement and concrete prices. The case was settled in 2012 on terms not disclosed in the supplied material.
Source
2009
Polish cement price-fixing penalty
Grupa Ożarów, in which CRH had invested, was fined €26 million in a case concerning alleged coordination of grey-cement prices and market shares. The penalty was appealed and upheld by a Polish court in 2013.
Source
2007
Polish evidence-interference penalty
Polish competition authorities fined CRH €530,000 for interfering with evidence collected during a price-fixing investigation.
Source
1994
European cement cartel finding involving Irish Cement
The European Commission determined that Irish Cement, a wholly owned CRH subsidiary, participated in a broader European cement price-fixing and market-sharing arrangement and imposed a fine exceeding €3.5 million.
Source

2024CRH–UNICEF vaccine-access partnership
International
CRH launched a five-year, US$15 million program with UNICEF to help improve access to vaccines against life-threatening diseases for more than 1.2 million children.
Outcome. Program announced; long-term outcome not yet established in the supplied sources.
Source
2023Sustainability Framework
Global
CRH introduced a framework addressing decarbonization, water management, waste utilization and circular-economy practices across its operations.
Outcome. Established as a group sustainability framework.
Source

Brand decisions

2023
Acquire Martin Marietta Texas assetsM&A
Background
CRH sought to strengthen its cement and concrete position in Texas and serve the Austin, San Antonio and Gulf Coast markets.
Action taken
CRH acquired the Hunter Cement Plant, terminals and multiple ready-mixed concrete plants from Martin Marietta Materials.
Aftermath
The acquisition expanded CRH's Texas production and distribution network; the supplied material does not provide a transaction value.
Source
2023
Establish CRH VenturesStrategy
Background
Construction-materials companies face pressure to reduce emissions and improve productivity through technology.
Action taken
CRH created a venture-capital division focused on construction and climate technologies.
Aftermath
The new platform was established with a US$250 million fund.
Fund size. US$250 million (December 2023)
Source
2022
Dispose of Building Envelope businessStrategy
Background
CRH continued to simplify its portfolio and focus on core materials and infrastructure activities.
Action taken
CRH sold its Building Envelope business to KPS Capital Partners.
Aftermath
The transaction was reported at approximately US$3.8 billion.
Transaction value. Approximately US$3.8 billion (February 2022)
Source
2019
Sell European distribution businessStrategy
Background
CRH reviewed its portfolio and sought to concentrate on materials and building-solutions activities.
Action taken
The group sold its underperforming European distribution arm to The Blackstone Group.
Aftermath
The disposal reduced exposure to European distribution and generated a reported transaction value of €1.64 billion.
Transaction value. €1.64 billion (2019)
Source
2015
Acquire selected LafargeHolcim assetsM&A
Background
CRH sought to expand its scale and geographic reach in cement, aggregates, concrete and related building materials.
Action taken
CRH acquired selected assets from LafargeHolcim for approximately US$6.5 billion.
Aftermath
The transaction significantly enlarged the group and increased net debt to approximately €6.6 billion at the time.
Transaction value. Approximately US$6.5 billion acquisition; net debt reported at approximately €6.6 billion after the transaction (2015)
Source

Recent events

2024
CRH announces emissions-reduction target[3]CRH sustainabilitycrh.com
Regulation
The company announced an objective to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.
2024
CRH and UNICEF begin vaccine-access partnership[5]CRH–UNICEF vaccine-access partnershipcrh.com
Campaign
CRH announced a five-year, US$15 million program with UNICEF intended to improve vaccine access for more than 1.2 million children.
2023
CRH transfers primary listing to the New York Stock Exchange[5]CRH–UNICEF vaccine-access partnershipcrh.com
Other
After shareholder approval, CRH moved its primary stock-market listing from London to New York while maintaining a London listing.
2023
CRH acquires Texas cement and concrete assets from Martin Marietta[5]CRH–UNICEF vaccine-access partnershipcrh.com
M&A
The transaction added the Hunter Cement Plant, terminals and ready-mixed concrete operations serving important Texas markets.
2023
CRH launches CRH Ventures[5]CRH–UNICEF vaccine-access partnershipcrh.com
Other
CRH established a venture-capital platform with a US$250 million fund aimed at construction and climate technologies.
2023
CRH moves primary stock listing to the New York Stock Exchange[1]CRH plcen.wikipedia.org
Other
Following shareholder approval, CRH transferred its primary listing from the London Stock Exchange to the New York Stock Exchange.

Sources16 sources

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