Exeter-based construction group Rok is eyeing acquisition targets in the South-east after doubling its share price in the past year.
Chief executive Garvis Snook said the group, which changed its name from EBC in April, was looking at a number of opportunities to expand from its West Country base but would not say which types of business were on his shopping list. Rok owns contracting, property and facilities management businesses.

Snook said: "We're eyeing a number of opportunities to grow the business. Part of our growth will inevitably come from corporate activity. Something will be done by the end of the year."

Rok's share price has risen from about 60p last May, when Snook took over, to more than 130p.

The market has responded positively to his restructuring of the contractor, with 11 institutions buying stakes this year.

The company paid £14.7m for property company Rockeagle earlier this year. Snook went to the City to raise funds for the deal but said he would not need to do so for the next acquisition.