Peter Atherton

Kuwait-Led Group in Takeover Approach for U.K. Water Firm

Severn Trent Plc, the U.K.’s second- largest publicly traded water company, rejected a takeover approach from Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund and a Canadian infrastructure investor.

Kuwait-Led Group in Takeover Approach for U.K. Water Firm

Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund and a Canadian infrastructure investor are discussing a bid for Severn Trent Plc, the U.K.’s second-largest publicly traded water company that’s valued at almost 5 billion pounds ($7.6 billion).

U.K.’s $582 Billion Energy Switch Faces Crisis, Liberum Says

The U.K.’s 376 billion-pound ($582 billion) program to switch from fossil fuel to renewable and nuclear power is headed for crisis because of looming energy shortages and spiraling costs, Liberum Capital Ltd. said.

Carbon Floor Won’t Drive U.K. Energy Investment, Analysts Say

Adopting a minimum price for carbon dioxide will do little to encourage investment in the U.K. power sector and risks souring relations with continental Europe, according to Citigroup Inc. and Virgin Green Fund analysts.

Europe’s Utilities Offer No Refuge for Investors as States Search for Cash

European utilities no longer offer investors a refuge from turbulent stock markets as governments seeking to close deficits use power companies to raise cash.

Merkel Atomic Delay Shows Fukushima Putting Europe’s Energy Goals at Risk

The political reaction to the crisis at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant risks cutting output from European reactors over the next decade, making it harder for the region to meet targets to reduce emissions.

U.K. Water Providers Valued Amid Market Plunge, Analysts Say

Severn Trent Plc, Pennon Group Plc and United Utilities Plc are offering refuge to investors after the sell-off in global stock markets because the U.K. water providers have stable, inflation-linked earnings, analysts say.

Centrica Profit Set to Jump on Gas as U.K. Probes Household Energy Prices

Centrica Plc , the U.K.’s biggest energy supplier, will likely report its highest profit in two years this week as energy regulator Ofgem finishes a probe into whether utilities are overcharging.

National Grid May Consider U.S. Unit Sale to Fund Spending, Citigroup Says

National Grid Plc , the owner of Britain’s natural-gas and power networks, may consider selling its U.S. business to maintain capital spending without having to sell shares again, according to Citigroup Inc.

Iberdrola Awards Siemens, Prysmian $1.6 Billion Renewables Link

Iberdrola SA and National Grid Plc awarded Siemens AG and Prysmian SpA a 1 billion-pound ($1.6 billion) contract to build an undersea link to transmit renewable power between England, Wales and Scotland.

"Moving from a largely fossil-fuel based power system to one dominated by renewables and nuclear in just a decade and a half, whilst keeping the lights on and consumer bills affordable, may simply be impossible."

- Peter Atherton on Apr 30, 2013

Europe

Germany

London

England

S&P 500 Returns to Record While U.S. Treasuries Advance

U.S. Stocks Rise as Bullard Says Stimulus Should Continue

Oklahoma Tornado Death Toll Cut to 24 by Medical Examiner

Yankees Invest in Soccer Team Controlled by Manchester City

Microsoft Unveils New Xbox in Bid to Lead Home Entertainment