The Dutch construction group HBG - HOLLANDSCHE BETON GROEP is planning to merge its dredging unit HAM with that of its rival BALLAST NEDAM. The new group would be worth a combined turnover of EUR 635 million in 2001 with around 2000 employed. With this plan of merger, HBG rejects by the same occasion the bid of 570 million on HAM by its compatriot company ROYAL BOSKALIS WESTMINSTER.