Regional contractor Leadbitter has acquired Kent-based Denne Construction to create a company with a 拢250m turnover.

Leadbitter said the acquisition of Denne, which has a turnover of 拢60m, would strengthen its affordable housing business, which now accounts for over half the company鈥檚 revenue.

Turnover for the combined group is expected to reach 拢250m for 2007 with a pre-tax profit of 拢8m.

Bob Rendell, Leadbitter group managing director, said: 鈥淒enne has an excellent management team that I am delighted to confirm will continue to work within the business.

鈥淥ur aim is to work jointly to further progress the exciting opportunities that Denne has in south-east England, south-east London and the Thames Gateway.

鈥淭he board are excited about our combined expertise, given a joint Denne鈥揕eadbitter turnover in the affordable housing market sector of 拢130m.鈥�