British Energy holds merger talks

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The company - whose eight nuclear sites produce around one sixth of the UK's electricity - said it was holding "discussions with interested parties" about its future.

It follows weekend reports that the Government is considering selling its 36% stake in the group. As Britain's largest nuclear power provider, British Energy could play a major role in any development of Britain's nuclear power supply.

The Financial Times said officials from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) had approached energy suppliers including British Gas owner Centrica and French power giant EDF to see if they were interested in taking on the government holding.

British Energy said: "The company is in discussions with interested parties in the context of its future and its plans to take a pivotal role in any new nuclear programme.

"These discussions could lead to a business combination or an offer for the company, although there can be no certainty that any offer will be made."

A BERR spokesman said: "The Government is monitoring developments closely and will consider its position in relation to any proposal in the public interest, having regard to its objectives in relation to energy policy and its obligations to the taxpayer. BE is a company whose shares are listed on the stock market and it would be inappropriate to comment further."

British Energy's eight nuclear power stations are Dungeness B in Kent, Hartlepool, Heysham 1 and 2 in Lancashire, Hinkley Point B in Somerset, Hunterston B in Ayrshire, Sizewell B in Suffolk and Torness in East Lothian.

The stations at Hartlepool and Heysham have been out of action since late last year due to wire corrosion problems within boiler units. Decommissioning dates for the group's nuclear sites range between 2014 and 2035.

British Energy also owns a coal-fired power station at Eggborough, East Yorkshire.