The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has delayed the awarding of a GBP 200mln contract to support British servicemen in Cyprus as officials take extra time to evaluate the bids.
"Project Wavell", which includes a number of support services such as looking after grounded aircraft, was due to select a preferred bidder on February 19. However, the decision will now be finalised on March 17.
Landmarc, a joint venture between Britain's Interserve and America's CSC, the FTSE 100 giant Serco, and, VT Group, which is currently the subject of a takeover attempt, are in the running for the contract.
An MoD spokesman said: "We are delaying this decision to complete our analysis of the competing offers and ensure the best possible quality of services and value for money."
There have been industry fears that the MoD would decide to keep the contract, which covers the Akrotiri and Dhekelia sovereign bases on the island, in-house.