Government 'lost £180m' on Royal Mail privatisation

The government's privatisation of the Royal Mail was underpriced by £180m, a report commissioned by Business Secretary Vince Cable has suggested.

The report, written by former City minister Lord Myners, said shares could have been valued up to 30p more than the flotation price of 330p because of the high level of demand from banks and individuals, according to the BBC. It recommended future government share sales should be more transparent and the pricing set at a later stage. The report undercut previous suggestions by MPs that taxpayers lost up to £1bn in the 2013 privatisation. The probe was ordered by Cable after a National Audit Office review into the privatisation of Royal Mail said too much emphasis was put on rushing...