UK builder Kier profit falls on higher expenses

(Reuters) - British builder Kier Group on Wednesday posted a 14.5 percent slump in first-half underlying earnings on higher expenses, a day after it hired former Carillion CEO-designate to run the company.

Underlying operating earnings, which included 10 million pounds in net costs stemming from its restructuring plan, fell to 51.8 million pounds for the six months ended Dec. 31 from 60.6 million pounds.

(Reporting by Muvija M in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)