Skanska, the world's third largest contractor, may be prevented from competing in several lucrative Asian markets as a result of the sale of its 50% stake in Hong Kong-based contractor Gammon.
It is understood that there is a non-compete clause in the £36m sale to Balfour Beatty, to be completed later this month.

Martin Hadaway, managing director at Gammon, confirmed: "They [Skanska] will not be able to compete in the markets that we compete in." These areas include China, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Hadaway would not confirm how long Skanska would be excluded from these markets, but industry experts thought it could be between five and 10 years.

A spokesperson for Skanska said the company was no longer interested in the Asian market, as it is planning to focus on the UK, USA and Europe. He would not confirm the existence of a non-compete clause.