Laing O'Rourke turnover rises to £4.1bn

Laing O'Rourke has held on to its crown as the UK's largest private construction firm as it pushed its turnover up to £4.1bn (£3.6bn) for the year to 31 March 2009.

However, the contractor saw a more modest increase in its pre-tax profit to £85m (£81.2m), after it was dealt a £17.1m hit in the form of writedowns on its residential and mixed-use developments.

The bulk of the company's turnover, £2.5bn, came in Europe. The Middle East and Asia accounted for £828.7m, while £725.6m was generated in Australia.

Laing O'Rourke's order book now stands at £10bn, and ended the year with cash of £614.3m.

Chairman and chief executive Ray O'Rourke said: "We have achieved a more balanced portfolio of public and private clients, with a growing emphasis in the infrastructure sectors (particularly healthcare, education, energy and transport).

"As governments accelerate their investment programmes, we see opportunities to benefit in these important markets."