Carillion will take over Alfred McAlpine in a £572m deal making it one of the UK's largest support services and construction companies with an aggregate revenue of approximately £4.7bn.

Consideration for each Alfred McAlpine Share is 1.08 New Carillion Shares valued at 392.3 pence (based on the Closing Price of 363.25 pence per Carillion Share on 7 December 2007, the last Business Day before this announcement) and 165.4 pence in cash, with a Mix and Match Facility and Loan Notes available.

Alfred McAlpine's existing issued ordinary share capital is valued at approximately £572m.

The potential has been created to deliver significant value for both Carillion and Alfred McAlpine Shareholders by generating significant cost synergy benefits and enhancing operational performance.

There is enhanced capability to provide integrated solutions due to the complementary skills of Carillion and Alfred McAlpine in private finance, design, construction, maintenance and support services.

Alfred McAlpine's construction business will fit with Carillion's skills and resources and the businesses will together continue to target higher margin projects.

The company expects to achieve an annual running rate of cost savings of £30 million by the end of 2009 (the first full year after completion of the Acquisition) and to deliver materially enhanced earnings in that year.

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Acquisition price of 558 pence represents a premium of approximately: 24 per cent. to the Closing Price of 448.5 pence for each Alfred McAlpine Share on August 1 2007, the last Business Day prior to the announcement of demerger plans by Alfred McAlpine; and five per cent to the Closing Price of 532.0 pence per Alfred McAlpine Share on 15 October 2007, the last Business Day prior to Alfred McAlpine announcing that it had received an approach from Carillion.

It is intended that the Acquisition will be effected by way of a scheme of arrangement of Alfred McAlpine, although Carillion reserves the right in its absolute discretion to implement the acquisition by way of an offer, subject (if required) to agreement with the Panel.

Carillion also announces expected growth in underlying earnings per share in 2007 of at least 20 per cent, compared to 2006 (see Note 3) and the Carillion Board expects the Carillion Group’s strong momentum to continue in 2008 and over the medium term.

Commenting on the Acquisition, Philip Rogerson, Chairman of Carillion said: "The acquisition of Alfred McAlpine represents a further step in Carillion's development and its successful strategy for sustainable and profitable growth.

"There is an excellent strategic fit between the two companies and the combined group will be one of the UK's leading support services businesses with enhanced capabilities in providing integrated solutions and construction services. We are confident this transaction can deliver significant value for the shareholders of the Enlarged Group."

Commenting on the Acquisition, Roger Urwin, Chairman of Alfred McAlpine said: "Over the past five years we have repositioned Alfred McAlpine into a valuable support services group, with leading positions in a number of growth markets. Carillion's offer recognises this value and gives our shareholders, employees and customers the opportunity to share in the future success of the Enlarged Group."

Lazard is acting as financial adviser to Carillion. Morgan Stanley and Oriel Securities are acting as joint corporate brokers to Carillion.

(GK/JM)