UK government questions foreign takeovers
When Lord Mandelson suggested that he was concerned about the number of UK companies being taken over by foreign predators many people had to look again because he has been one of the strongest supporters of an open market. Whether or not Lord Mandelson has "changed his spots" overnight is open to debate as the government appears ready to do anything to curry favour with UK businesses and UK voters.
Let's not forget that this is a government which sold off British Energy to a French state-owned operation even though initially institutional investors and private investors had rejected the offer. This is also a government that failed to protect UK energy companies which are now predominantly owned by massive overseas conglomerates who can dictate the prices charged to UK customers and also tap into UK energy supplies.
In a case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted, the UK government is now beginning to question the number of foreign takeovers and foreign ownership issues in the UK, something which businesses have been shouting about for years. As ever, the proof will be in the pudding and it will be interesting to see what plans and what actions the government takes to try and protect UK Plc.
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