Powerscreen International shares fell sharply in early trading on the London market following the report that the Serious Fraud Office is investigating the Matbro affair. From the overnight level of 1921/2p sterling, the shares fell to a low of 180p before closing down 71/2p on the day on 185p. That price compares to a high of 613p immediately prior to the Matbro announcement in late January.

Analysts said that the SFO investigation into Matbro was no major surprise, but simply added to the uncertainties surrounding Powerscreen.