Dutch contractor Heijmans has launched a second attempt to enter the UK by bidding for rapidly expanding contractor Leadbitter.
The group, which failed in an attempt to buy HBG last year, announced last week that it was in talks to buy 拢110m-turnover Leadbitter.

Leadbitter, named regional contractor of the year in the 2000 好色先生TV Awards, has 300 staff. It has offices in Oxford, Bristol and Bracknell, Berkshire.

Most of the firm's business is in the public sector, in social housing, schools, healthcare and leisure.

Leadbitter managing director Bob Rendall said this week that talks on the deal were going on. Heijmans is interested in buying Leadbitter for cash.

Rendall said: "It has put a proposal to us 鈥� it is by no means a done deal. It's very flattering for us to get the approach. The deal will be decided upon one way or another in the new year."

Rendall added that the future of the firm's employees was his priority. He said: "We will be insisting we maintain our independence."