Merger Most Foul?
Government policy on mergers is that the market should decide and politicians should leave well alone, except where competition is at risk. Yet a mini-industry of corporate lobbyists has become established whose job is to mobilise political pressure in takeover bids.
Paul Burden reports on the work of the merger lobbyists and questions Competition Minister, the Hon
Francis Maude , mp about some recent Department of Trade decisions on takeover bids. Producer ELAINE THOMAS
Deputy editor CHRISTOPHER GRAHAM Editor DAVID NISSAN