A number of the Island's contracting bosses appear to be expanding their business interests with word emerging yesterday that there could soon be a new owner of Gorham's Ltd. and that SKB Coatings Ltd. was sold recently.

Zane DeSilva, of Island Construction, yesterday confirmed that he is in talks with Gorham's. He stressed that he is only in negotiations with Gorham's at this time and that a sale has not gone through.

Gorham's general manager and owner Roderick Ferguson has been tight-lipped on a possible sale although The Royal Gazette has spoken with him on several occasions over the past two weeks.

Yesterday Mr. Ferguson again declined to comment on a possible sale.

Meanwhile SKB Coatings Ltd. was sold in recent weeks to contractors Gilbert Lopes and Ricky Sousa.

Mr. Sousa told The Royal Gazette that he and Mr. Lopes do not intend to alter the SKB operation except to "make it better".

Mr. Sousa said all staff had been retained and Doug Outerbridge will remain as the manager for the time being.