Dutch construction group Heijmans has been dragging its feet this week over whether to make a new bid for rival contractor HBG, after an unfavourable court decision.
Last Friday, a Dutch commercial court found in favour of HBG's management, who had refused to consider the Heijmans bid for its construction division because it was trying to form a dredging joint venture with Ballast Nedam.
The decision settled a legal action brought by HBG shareholders, who objected to the fact that HBG would not hold talks with Heijmans and Boskalis.
The court decision makes it almost certain that HBG will complete a deal with Ballast Nedam rather than Heijmans.
Heijmans said it would "take its time" to decide if it was going to make a new bid.
HBG has a £929m-turnover contracting business in the UK.
