Profit for Heijmans

Good results from infrastructure are said to be behind a return to profitability for Dutch-based Heijmans, which operates in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

Also, a restructuring has been undertaken, with the disposal of UK construction firm Leadbitter - with Bouygues Bâtiment International (BBI) taking a controlling stake - and a number of Belgian property development projects.

Gerrit Witzel, chairman of the Heijmans executive board, said, "Despite a declining market and nearly three months of frost in the past year, we have performed well. After completing the restructuring we now work more efficiently, with much better internal co-operation, and a good response to the market demand for price and quality."

After a € 40 million loss in 2009, Heijmans has reported a net result for 2010 of €16 million. The second half net result was € 12 million compared to € 3 million in 2009.

The company said that operating result from continued operations in the second half of € 36 million was mainly down to good results from infrastructure, while it added that the total number of houses sold in the Netherlands increased to 1505 in 2010, up from 1283 in 2009.

Mr Witzel said, "In 2011, we will continue to focus on sustainability, quality and profitability. We aim to have a leading position in these fields."