Kingspan Group says it 'admires' rival Carlisle, but tie-up talks over

DUBLIN, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Irish construction company Kingspan on Wednesday confirmed media reports that it had recent, informal discussions about a tie-up with rival Carlisle Companies, but that there was currently no active engagement between the companies.

Bloomberg News reported on Sunday that Scottsdale, Arizona-based Carlisle had rebuffed an informal approach by Kingspan to combine the companies, but that Carlisle signalled it would be open to at least reviewing a more attractive offer. Carlisle did not respond to a request for comment on the report.

"Kingspan has admired Carlisle for many years and, recognising the clear strategic fit, had recent and informal discussions on a potential transaction," Kingspan said in the statement.

"At present, there is no active engagement," it said. "The North American roofing space remains a key area of interest for Kingspan." (Writing by Conor Humphries; editing by Sarah Young)