ENGINEERING and construction group Amec is expanding in continental Europe with a maximum initial investment of £23 million for a minority stake in a French electrical and construction business, it was announced yesterday.

Amec said it had the option to buy the remaining shares in Spie Batignolles in six years' time. Mr Peter Mason, chief executive of the group, which is based in Northwich, Cheshire, said he was delighted with the deal.