Uniper claims Fortum's hostile takeover is politically motivated due to Russian assets
The German energy group Uniper [ETR: UN01], claims the takeover attempt by Fortum [HEL: FORTUM], the Finnish energy group, is led by the government and politically motivated due to Russia, according to Helsingin Sanomat. The Finnish-language piece cited Klaus Schafer, Uniper’s company’s Chief Executive who had spoken in the Russian media.
Schafer said that Unipro, the company’s Russian subsidiary is proud about the fact that it is a public company, not a state run one. But if the Finnish Fortum acquires Uniper, it means Unpro will be re-nationalised since Fortum is partially owned by the Finnish state.
Unipro is part investor in the Baltic sea gas pipe, which Schafer claims would then be controlled by the Finnish government.
Schafer maintains the takeover by Fortum, in which it offered EUR 22 per share, is hostile The Finnish-language piece cited Fortum’s spokesperson, who denied the acquisition is politically motivated.
Helsingin Sanomat is a Finnish daily, which is behind a paywall.