Article Abstract:
The UK government has changed the tax treatment of capital allowances for long-life assets in its Nov 1996 Budget. The proportion of capital allowances that can be charged against tax for assets with a life of over 25 years has dropped to 6% from 25%. This move affects telecoms, gas, water and electricity companies. The water companies and British Gas could see a drop in their profit of between 1% and 2%, and British Telecommunications could pay an extra 10 million pounds sterling in tax. Electric utilities could pay a few million pounds more in tax. This move reduces lost revenue for the government without bringing negative publicity.
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Article Abstract:
The Czech government aims to modernize the energy industry and gas and electricity prices have become a sensitive issue. Low prices for domestic energy in particular have held back corporate profits. The regional power companies have majority stakes held by the government but competition has been increased. There is a focus on pollution and some power plants have been closed to tackle the problem. Foreign companies are competing in gasoline distribution and there is a local company called Benzina.
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Article Abstract:
The Swedish energy industry underwent full deregulation at the start of 1996 and this has increased merger and acquisition activity in the sector. Companies are aiming to grow and increase their stakes in the market. The number of groups has been reduced to six, each with a major stake in the market. There has also been liberalization in other Nordic countries which has led to geographical integration. There is scope for rationalizatiom in power distribution where there are some 250 companies.
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