At home and abroad

Given its location at the centre of Europe, Germany is the key to any future pan-European energy market. But some of its leading companies have their eyes on markets beyond continental Europe, reports Robin Lancaster

If the ambition of Germany’s leading energy companies was not already apparent, Innogy’s confirmation of February UK press reports of RWE’s attempted friendly acquisition of the UK energy company should convince the remaining sceptics.

Although the £2.9 billion ($4.1 billion) bid – made at the end of 2001 – was rejected as too low, it is further evidence that the big German energy firms such as Essen-based multi-utility RWE and its main local rival Düsseldorf-based E.on are keen to add to