EDF profits boosted by nuclear acquisitions

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The French energy giant has reported a net income of £3.4bn for the financial year.

EDF, who are planning to build a number of next generation nuclear power stations in the UK, saw sales increase by 4pc to €66.3bn.

EDF’s growth has been attributed to it’s acquisition of British Energy, the UK nuclear operator for a reported £12.5bn at the end of 2008.

EDF’s net debt has almost doubled following the acquisition of British Energy, however, despite them selling a 20% stake of British Energy to Centrica for £2.3bn.

The EDF group are focusing their future plans on Britain, where they are currently planning to construct the first new nuclear power stations for decades.

EDF are currently considering selling their electricity distribution network for nearly £4bn, a move that is thought to be about offsetting the cost of establishing themselves in the future of British nuclear power. A final decision on whether the distribution network will be sold is expected around April this year.