Blue Circle profits up 28%

Blue Circle increased operating profts in the first half by 28% to œ99.6 million, leaving pre-exceptional profits at œ88.4 million.

However, one œ40.3 million provision was made against the sale of New World, including a œ35 million goodwill write-off.

Turnover was up from œ798 million to œ827 million.