Half a dozen companies understood to be considering making an offer for £100m-turnover firm

Kier and ISG are understood to be among about half a dozen companies circling Verry Construction, the £100m-turnover contractor on the brink of administration.

Building understands both companies are weighing up whether to take on individual contracts or make a bid for the whole company.

One source familiar with the situation said: “Nothing is certain yet but both of those companies are among a group looking at their options.”

It is understood a sale could take place before Verry goes into administration.

Verry Construction, which is over 170 years old, is working on a series of large education contracts, including a number of college projects such as the £85m Westminster College scheme and the £64m Oaklands College in St Albans.

Nobody at Verry, Kier or ISG was immediately available for comment.