Buyout firm Candover approaches Expro - FT

LONDON, March 1 (Reuters) - Private equity firm Candover has made an approach to acquire Britain's oil and gas field services company Expro International Group EXR.L, the Financial Times reported on Saturday.

Expro shares ended up 36 percent at 1,258.5 pence on Friday, valuing the company at just over 1 billion pounds ($1.98 billion) after the company said it had received a takeover approach, but did not identify the suitor.

Oil and gas industry services providers such as Expro have benefited as energy companies boost capital spending to meet strong oil demand and replace old facilities. (Reporting by Gavin Haycock; editing by Louise Heavens)