| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:The assets of the nation | |
| Posted by: | Joe Conneely | |
| Date/Time: | 27/06/07 18:41:00 |
| I am not sure that the UK has been that dismissive of looking for overseas investments in some of the areas you state David. In much of the EU there has simply not been the consistent level of privatisation that the UK has undergone in many sectors. As a result, there has not been the levels of non-government ownership to purchase, though there have been some acquisitions especially in the transport sector. However in other countries where the opportunities are greater (both developed and lesser developed)UK companies have been active, in utilities, transport and airport. Obviously living proof of the German/Franco EU model of introducing free flow of capital but maintaining high levels of government or quasi government ownership and then adopting a "Do as I say, not do as I do" mindset. The national phobia whenever a pan EU deal is proposed or privatising for market competition benefits, as seen in the recent EU ministers attempts at blocking of the unbundling of energy companies to be more competitive by separating generation and network, because "shock, horror" thse entities may then be subject to acquisition, reflects it all sadly. |