Builder Carillion was today named as the preferred bidder for Liverpool football club’s £75 million stadium expansion.
Work on the project is expected to start this year, once planning permission is granted, and will see the capacity of Anfield’s main stand increased by more than 8300, taking the total capacity to 54,000 seats.
Richard Howson, Carillion’s chief executive, said: “I believe that being selected for this prestigious project reflects Carillion’s reputation for high standards of quality, health and safety and sustainability.
"We look forward to working closely with Liverpool to create new world-class facilities at its famous Anfield stadium.”
Liverpool are preparing for a return to Champions League football but look set to lose star striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona for an estimated £80 million.
Carillion shares rose 5.6p to 338.8p as the company also unveiled a solid trading update for the first six months of the year with new orders standing at about £2.7 billion. The construction group said its full-year targets remained in line with City expectations.
Andrew Gibb, analyst at Investec, said: “We have been neutral for some time on Carillion, with concerns over cash and Middle East margins at the fore.
"However, the group has had a positive start to the year in terms of new contract wins and the net debt position is now likely to be better than we expect.”
