Fletcher Building's calling time on its construction arm - after a difficult few years

It's signed a sale deal with French multi-national, Vinci Construction - subject to regulatory approval.

The final reckoning could sit on about 334-million-dollars - and it'll move its focus to manufacturing and distribution.

AUT Construction Professor John Tookey says it's a seismic shift - but Fletcher's been overstretched in recent years, so it's not a big surprise.

He says it's a real challenge in construction to get back on your feet in tough trading environments.