It is reported that bids for Bord Gáis Energy (BGE), are being assessed by NewEra, the state agency overseeing the sales process. Three bidders reportedly made it through to the second round of the auction for the State-owned energy business that supplies electricity and natural gas to consumers and businesses. It is reported that Centrica; Britain’s largest home power company, and Viridian; Northern Ireland’s largest energy supplier are vying for the prize. Reports claim the business will have a price tag of over €1 billion.

It is reported that Premier Lotteries Ireland has been selected as the preferred bidder for the National lottery. The consortium is made up of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, which owns the Camelot Group, the UK’s lottery operator; An Post, the State company that has been operating the license for the past 26 years; and An Post pension funds. The reported sale price of €450 million is considerably higher than observers had expected. It is reported that under the terms of the license, the ongoing annual contribution to good causes will be set at 65% of gross gaming revenues. It is reported that the other two bidders at the front of the race were GTech, an Italian technology company and Tatts, the Australian gaming company. Overall sales of Lotto tickets and scratch cards amounted to a reported €735.1 million last year.