Berlin buys stake in energy major to keep it from going bust

Uniper has been in dire financial straits due to the reduction in gas supplies from Russia

The German government is acquiring a 30% stake in the energy concern Uniper, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at a press conference in Berlin on Friday.

Scholz said the government would acquire the stake at a nominal price of €1.70 per share, adding that it would also provide the company with €7.7 billion ($7.8 billion) in the form of funds similar to equity capital.

Moreover, Scholz ordered the credit lines from the German state banking group KfW to Uniper to be raised from the current €2 billion to €9 billion.

The measures are aimed at saving the company amid the drop in gas supplies from Russia. The reduction in gas flows meant that, rather than being able to fully rely on its long-term contracts at a fixed price, Uniper has recently been forced to buy gas on the spot market at a much higher price to make up for shortages. The government intervention will allow the company to stay afloat despite the higher prices, analysts say.

Despite the lifeline offered to Uniper, Scholz said it should not be viewed as a blueprint for a potential rescue of other energy companies.

READ MORE: German energy giant bailout plan revealed

Uniper’s shares initially plunged 17% on the news and then extended losses later in the day on Friday to reach a new all-time low of €7.02 per share as of 14:40 GMT, putting the stock down 33.10% on the day.

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