Bidders ‘circle for Daniel Contractors assets’

SEVERAL construction businesses are said to be interested in picking up parts of Warrington-based Daniel Contractors which is understood to be in financial difficulty.

The Sunday Times reported that 1,300 jobs could be at risk at the business where Deloitte is being lined up as administrator.

Construction Enquirer has since said that Murphy and Dutch contractor A Hak have been linked with talks about taking on jobs or buying parts of the £120m turnover business.

It said the firm, which also owns Land and Marine, is so far facing three county court judgements for non-payment this month.

The company declined to comment on the reports and a notice of intention to appoint administrators has not been filed at the Manchester District Registry, although this is not a pre-requisite of a formal insolvency.

The company’s core activities cover utility works, civil engineering, cross-country pipelines, facilities management and plant hire. Last year the business agreed a four-year, £9m funding facility with PNC Business Credit. It was advised by Warrington-based corportate finance firm Dow Schofield Watts.