CRH Acquires Arcosa for $8.5 Billion; Retail Insolvencies Up 35% in H1 2026
CRH is acquiring Arcosa for $8.5 billion, its largest takeover, though investor reaction is subdued. Meanwhile, Irish retail insolvencies rose 35% in H1 2026, and workers will protest for rights in public contracts as Ireland assumes the EU presidency.
CRH has agreed to acquire Arcosa for $8.5 billion (€7.45 billion), marking its largest takeover. Investor reaction to the acquisition has been muted.
Ireland's corporate insolvency rate is steady, but the retail sector saw a 35% increase in company failures in the first half of 2026 due to consumer price inflation. Separately, workers in the cleaning and security sectors, led by Siptu, will protest for workers’ rights to be included in public contract awards as Ireland takes over the EU presidency this week. This relates to new EU tendering rules due later this year.
Central Bank, ESRI, and Irish Fiscal Advisory Council forecasts are benign despite global economic storms. The Government should focus on vulnerable households and avoid broad cost-of-living measures in October’s budget to save corporation tax receipts.
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