Newspaper round-up: 21 February 2007

Olympic Delivery Authority attacked on transport plans

The Financial Times, The Guardian and The Independent report that the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has been attacked in a Transport select committee report for the vagueness of its transport infrastructure plans. Committee members said the ODA needed to develop a detailed contingency plan to “prevent the transport system collapsing” and work with a greater sense of urgency.

Taylor Woodrow to restructure in UK

Housebuilder Taylor Woodrow will reorganise its UK business to boost flagging margins according to The Telegraph, Financial Times, and The Times. Changes will result in fewer but more intensively worked regional sales patches. The company also said it is looking for acquisitions in the profitable US market.

Morgan Sindall order book up

The Times reports that housebuilder Morgan Sindall is sitting on an order book that is up by 19% on last year to £3.3bn, thanks to strong demand for social housing schemes and office refurbishments.

Carillion wins Network Rail deal

The Financial Times reports that Carillion has won a five-year £60m signalling services deal with Network Rail. The move comes after the infrastructure operator recently lifted its ban on the construction services group.

Polaron's shares soar

The Financial Times also reports that shares in building controls group Polaron have soared by more than 20% after it agreed a 95p per share cash offer from US-based Cooper Industries. The deal values Polaron at £14.9m and its shares closed on AIM 15.75p higher at 93.25p.