Watchdogs to comment on Norweb offer

Watchdogs to comment on Norweb offer

The industry regulators Ofwat and Offer will issue a consultative document on the proposed pounds 1bn takeover of Norweb by North West. The document, which could come as early as today, is expected to cover issues ranging from benefits for consumers to the regulators' ability to police their industries effectively. Meanwhile, speculation mounts that US companies Houston Industries and Pacifc Gas and Electric are poised to swoop on a regional company. But it is unclear whether either of them would want to act as "white knight" for Norweb.