Barratt has sold off its US housebuilding arm, and plans to plough the £91 million it has made from the sale back into growing its UK market share. Chief executive David Pretty commented: "This is a good strategic move for Barratt. Barratt American is profitable but a relatively small part of our total group operation. Its disposal in a strong US housing market will enable greater focus on our core UK operations, where we can make significantly better returns.”