Laing is planning to expand its PFI operations in Europe, focusing on road deals.
The firm, which has split into housing and investments divisions, is pitching for Norway's first concession road, the E39, in partnership with Swedish group Skanska.

Derek Potts, director at Laing Investments, said it was also looking at emerging PFI road markets in Germany.

Potts said: "We are looking seriously at the German market. There is a substantial plan for new roads over there in the next few years. We are trying to be reasonably selective, so as not to spread ourselves too thinly."

Potts said the firm would conclude agreements with local partners. He emphasised that the European expansion was a long-term strategy.

We are trying to be reasonably selective, so as not to spread ourselves too thinly

Derek Potts, director, Laing Investments

He said: "These things don't happen overnight; there is a long gestation. The sensible approach is to look at it in the medium to long term."

The division has five PFI road schemes on its books, four in the UK and one in Finland, which was built two years ago and is now in the operation phase.