Reports suggest Carillion, Balfour Beatty and Capita are sizing up bids

Carillion, Balfour Beatty and Capita are interested in mounting takeover bids for consultants Mouchel, reports suggest.

A major investor in Mouchel told Reuters the contractors were keen to snap up the business, which was subject to a third bid from Costain last Friday.

The investor said: “Capita, Carillion and Balfour Beatty are interested.”

“Capita could be keen on buying the whole group but the others might just want specific businesses.”

All three firms have refused to comment about possible approaches.