Is Scottish And Southern Energy In Play?
News of a profits warning from Scottish and Southern Energy has seen the shares marked sharply lower in stark contrast to shares in British Energy which have risen sharply after news of a possible takeover approach. Scottish and Southern Energy has indicated that profits for the second half of 2008 will show only modest growth from last year, in contrast to a historically strong second half.
However, there is a growing feeling that the company may soon be in play with a number of foreign predators showing their hand in the sector over the last few months. Even though analysts will be taking their red pens to profit forecasts over the coming days the shares may well attract the interest of those looking for the next takeover in the sector.
The management of Scottish and Southern Energy have shown themselves to be more than capable over the last few years and the merger between Scottish Power and Southern Energy was handled very well. Quite where this leaves the management in the short term is unclear because the confusion in the energy markets has muddied the waters a little. If a predator was to pounce they would be looking to hit the company when they were down.
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