text: Industry reacts to SSE and npower merger plans | SmartestEnergy
  Plans to merge the retail arms of SSE and npower have raised questions among industry experts.
  The £11 billion company, in which SSE shareholders would own around two-thirds of the shares, would have 11.5 million customers and would be listed on the London stock market.
  If the deal receives backing from shareholders then it would be completed in late 2018 or early 2019.
  "The scale of change in the energy market means we believe a separation of our household energy and services business and the proposed merger with npower will enable both entities to focus more acutely on pursuing their own dedicated strategies, and will ultimately better serve customers, employees and other stakeholders."
  Peter Atherton, an associate at consultancy Cornwall Insight, said: "Given the interference in the market with the price cap, and pressure on margins, the natural reaction is for companies is to try to gain scale."
  Alex Neill, Which? Managing Director of Home Products and Services, said: "Mergers of such big players in essential markets, such as energy, are rarely a good thing for consumers, especially given the low levels of competition.
  Claire Osborne at price comparison website uSwitch added: "The regulatory authorities will need to be satisfied that this deal works in best interest of consumers."