This morning's announcement follows media speculation over the future of the FTSE 250 construction and support service outsourcer's healthcare subsidiary which provides facilities management services to NHS Trusts and was identified as a non-core asset in the wake of the collapse of Carillion's share price following the publication of a profits warning in July.
The agreed purchase price of £50.1 million will be subject to adjustment as both parties finalise the transaction (a process that is expected to be completed within weeks).
Carillion's Board has also confirmed that the group is now able to access emergency credit facilities worth a total of £140 million. These include a new £40 million revolving credit line which has been secured against the assets of subsidiary companies.
The group recently announced a slew of contract wins, including a £200 million award for ultrafast broadband infrastructure provider (and joint-venture partner for the installation of broadband network infrastructure) Gigaclear, and a £105 million construction contract from Emaar Properties for Al Futtaim Carillion (its UAE joint-venture).
Commenting, Keith Cochrane, Carillion's Interim Chief Executive, said:
"Today we are announcing progress on a number of fronts and whilst our customers and creditors continue to be supportive, much remains to be done. We remain focused on executing our disposals and cost savings programmes while continuing our discussions with our lenders and other stakeholders to explore further ways of strengthening Carillion's balance sheet."
