Thames Water investors offer ‘golden share’ in bid to head off nationalisation
Investors in Thames Water have proposed granting the UK government a 'golden share' to prevent the nationalization of the utility company. This move would provide ministers with veto power over major corporate decisions and hostile takeovers.
Why it matters
The proposal highlights the tension between private ownership and public accountability for essential infrastructure services in the UK.
Thames Water serves 16 million customers in London and the Thames Valley. Photograph: Vuk Valcic/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock Thames Water serves 16 million customers in London and the Thames Valley. Photograph: Vuk Valcic/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock Thames Water Thames Water investors offer ‘golden share’ in bid to head off nationalisation Move would give government veto over big decisions and hostile takeovers, after Burnham’s call for greater public control
Nils Pratley: Burnham has forced greater clarity at Thames Water. Now he must choose
Prefer the Guardian on Google The group of investors pursuing a rescue bid for Thames Water have offered the government a “golden share” in a last-ditch attempt to persuade Andy Burnham not to nationalise Britain’s biggest water company.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in