Wolseley continues to see ‘tough’ markets

The building materials group continues to experience ‘extremely tough’ market conditions as it reported falling revenues and a rise in net debt to £1.2m for the three months to November

• Oxford Instruments boosted by order book
• Renold raises £27m as chain demand slips

Bovis Homes upbeat

The Kent-based housebuilder says the number of private reservations has risen by 83% this year. It expects to see a gradual improvement of the housing market

Barratt cautious on housing market

Britain’s largest housebuilder says it does not expect any short-term improvement in the subdued level of activity in the housing market

Beazer chief warned of possible SEC action

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is considering filing a lawsuit to recover bonuses from the chief executive of Beazer Homes, which last year settled allegations of misstating earnings

Performance in Asia crucial for Caterpillar

With Caterpillar’s sales in other parts of the world having been pushed down by the economic downturn, its activities in Asia have taken on more importance

Persimmon upbeat as orders swell

A plump order book and reduced levels of borrowing helped the York-based housebuilder deliver an upbeat trading statement

Big builders yet to feel effect of stimulus

A report finds only 10-15% of leading international construction groups expect state intervention into the industry would provide significantly greater opportunities

Contract Journal closes

Reed Business Information to close 130-year-old construction publication