SHARES in Amec Foster Wheeler have fallen five per cent after the engineering giant, which is being taken over by Wood Group, said the Serious Fraud Office had launched a probe into its business.

The SFO will investigate Amec Foster Wheeler, predecessor companies and associated persons in respect of the Foster Wheeler business. It will focus on the past use of third parties and possible bribery and corruption and related offences.

Aberdeen-based Wood said it told shareholders in May the SFO might investigate Amec Foster Wheeler. It is not possible to estimate reliably what effect the investigation’s outcome may have on that firm.

Amec Foster Wheeler shares closed down 25p at 430p. Wood shares closed down 22p at 601p.