Essen, Germany – Share of HOCHTIEF Group company approx. EUR 175 million – Four major projects under one of Australia‘s largest infrastructure programs

HOCHTIEF‘s Australian majority-owned holding Leighton has won a new large-scale contract via its subsidiary Thiess Pty Ltd: In a joint venture with United Group Infrastructure, the company will construct four major projects over the next six years under one of Australia‘s largest rail infrastructure programs. The combined contract volume of the projects totals approximately EUR 400 million. The Thiess share amounts to some EUR 175 million. The construction projects form part of the South East Queensland Infrastructure Program which comprises a total investment volume of just under EUR 3.6 billion.

The Thiess United Group joint venture will deliver the railway sections Caboolture/Beerburrum (approx. EUR 145 million), Robina/Reedy Creek (approx. EUR 45 million), Corinda/Darra (approx. EUR 66 million) and Beerburrum/Landsborough (approx. EUR 145 million). The works are expected to commence in June 2006 and scheduled for completion in 2012.

HOCHTIEF is one of the leading international providers of construction-related services. With more than 41,000 employees and a sales volume of EUR 13.65 billion in FY 2005, the company is represented in all the world‘s major markets. In the USA, the biggest construction market in the world, HOCHTIEF is the No. 1 general builder via its subsidiary Turner. With its Group company Leighton, HOCHTIEF is market leader in Australia. The HOCHTIEF service offering in the fields of development, construction, services, concessions and operation covers the entire value chain of construction.