The municipalities have claimed that regulations provide them with the pre-emptive purchasing rights. They are reportedly threatening legal action if their concerns are not addressed.
The news source noted that EWE holds around 48% interest in VNG–Verbundnetz Gas (VNG). The supervisory board chairman position at VNG was previously occupied by EWE head Werner Brinker.
Mr Brinker had to relinquish his position as VNG’s supervisory board chairman due to regulatory action, which ruled that EWE’s interests in VNG were largely limited to it being a financial investment.
EWE could reportedly get back its position on VNG’s supervisory board if the municipalities of Jena and Halle, which holds a 3% stake, divest their interests in VNG.
