....the fact is, as mentioned above, that the money raised by a sale of NATS is peanuts compared to the money the government will get if they hold onto their share and continue to get dividends.
The sale price would be surpassed almost within the term of a government. The sale does not, apart from getting a quick buck, make any financial sense.
An alternative view: NERL is continuously having its future profits squeezed from all sides, NSL are failing to compete profitably against other ANSPs in the airports environment. Arguably, the government will never get a better chance to sell their holding at a premium price.
I'm not saying it would be a great decision but I can understand why they would give it some careful consideration.
LTP