EDF Shares Drop on Report of Stalled Negotiations for Restructuring
January 25 2021 - 6:21AM
Dow Jones News
By Giulia Petroni
Electricite de France SA's shares dropped on Monday following
media reports that an agreement between the French government and
the European Union on France's nuclear reform and restructuring of
the utility company won't be reached any time soon.
At 1023 GMT, shares trade down 15% down at EUR10.55.
According to French business news channel BFM Business, Brussels
asked the French government to continue discussions for six more
months, a timeframe that might not allow the reform to be voted on
in parliament by the end of the year.
Talks between France and the EU include a reform of the Arenh
price mechanism -- under which energy suppliers secure nuclear
power from EDF at fixed prices-- that would increase the price of
electricity resold by the state-owned utility to its
competitors.
The reform would also lead to a reorganization of EDF --the
so-called "Project Hercules" --around three divisions, splitting
its nuclear and renewable energy activities.
The project has been harshly criticized by EDF's trade unions,
who fear it would lead to job cuts and a dismantling of the
company.
Write to Giulia Petroni at giulia.petroni@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 25, 2021 06:06 ET (11:06 GMT)
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