British group Tarmac has acquired Moffatts, the Drumquin, Co Tyrone-based aggregates company, for £6 million sterling (€9.3 million) in cash. The acquisition makes Tarmac the second-largest aggregates producer in the North.

"This acquisition will give Tarmac the capability to supply throughout Northern Ireland," Tarmac said. It will also build on the strong mineral base that Tarmac has established in the Belfast market, the company said.

Moffatts operates in the western part of Northern Ireland where it is involved in limestone quarrying, ready-mixed concrete, concrete blocks, asphalt and asphalt paving. It has two quarries in the Enniskillen and Omagh areas.

Established in 1961 by the late Mr James Moffatt, it is run by his two sons, who will now retire from the business.