The firm said “certain Dutch and international parties have approached Ballast Nedam with a view to exploring the opportunities for a merger or acquisition.”

The company added: “Ballast Nedam always gives strategic options serious consideration in the interests of its shareholders and other stakeholders.

“Ballast Nedam will make announcements accordingly as appropriate or necessary.”

The news came as the contractor completed the sale of its offshore activities to Van Oord.

Ballast Nedam is forecasting an operating loss for the full year of 2014 of between €35 million and €45 million.