Telegraph – The Government is planning a two-stage sale of Lloyds shares this year amid fears that short-sellers would target one of the largest retail offerings in decades at the taxpayer’s expense.
Chancellor George Osborne last week unveiled plans to sell billions of pounds of shares in the bailed-out bank to the public if the Conservatives win next month’s general election. The £4bn retail offering, which Mr Osborne said will “give many more people a stake in our economy”, is already being scrutinised by City banks amid concerns that the Chancellor’s promise of a 5pc discount could lead hedge funds to disrupt a “Tell Sid”-style campaign.
