South African services contractor Murray & Roberts signalled interest in making a takeover offer for compatriot Aveng in a bid to boost its oil, gas and minerals capacity.
One of Aveng's subsidiaries is the big Australian engineering and construction company McConnell Dowell.
One of Murray & Roberts' subsidiaries is the Australian oil and gas contractor Clough.
Murray & Roberts said it aims to make an all-share offer to acquire the entire issued share capital of Aveng, and the two companies have agreed to enter into formal negotiations with regards to a potential transaction.
