SOUTH African construction firm Aveng Ltd expects to achieve real earnings growth in 2001 on the back of recent acquisitions to consolidate its position in the sector. ”Aveng in its current form should achieve real earnings growth in the year ahead. Any revival in the economy and construction industry will further improve performance,” said managing director Carl Grim in the group’s 2000 annual report. Aveng reported 2000 fully diluted headline earnings per share at 73c from 74c previously. Grim said the acquisition of construction and engineering group LTA, approved by the Competition Commission this week, would significantly boost earnings per share. Aveng made strategic acquisitions in the past year ranging from cement and steel to construction operations. – Reuters