INFRASTRUCTURE services group Alfred McAlpine is to beef up its business with more acquisitions this year.

McAlpine recently snapped up facilities management firm Stiell in a £85m deal, but will continue to seek more deals to boost its core operation.

The company's financial position has been buoyed by £300m received from the sale of its homes division to George Wimpey last year.

The remaining £163m from the deal is due by August.

Chairman Sir Terence Harrison believed McAlpine's successful record of previous acquisitions offered encouragement for the future.

He said: "We will continue to target good businesses that will add strength and scope to our existing operations. We will consider both larger opportunities and bolt-on deals."

Across the group, pre-tax profits fell to £43.8m from £60.2m a year earlier.

Group turnover rose to £859.7m from £839.5m a year earlier. On continuing operations, it was up from £386.2m to £442.8m